Alternative Energy Institute

Alternative Energy Institute
Type Energy research institute
Established 1977
Location Canyon, Texas, USA
Website www.windenergy.org

Alternative Energy Institute (also known as AEI) was West Texas A&M University's alternative energy research branch. Formed in 1977, the program was nationally and internationally recognized, and along with research provides education and outreach around the U.S. and the globe.

History

The Alternative Energy Institute Regional Wind Test Center

AEI was founded at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) in 1977 by Dr. Vaughn Nelson, Dr. Earl Gilmore and Dr. Robert Barieau during the 1973 oil crisis.[1] The physics department at West Texas State was already experimenting with wind power and these three individuals took the initiative to found a department to concentrate upon the study of wind. The basic goals of the department were:

First Decade: 1977 - 1987

Initially, much of the organization's focus was on small wind turbine research and improving blade designs. At this time they installed test turbines and water pumping applications throughout Texas. These projects allowed AEI to develop and improve upon blade design theory and production. During this period the organization also provided consulting in Latin America, Jamaica, Hawaii, and Europe. There, AEI trained villages and groups in wind energy systems.

At this time AEI operated from three locations: one off-campus and two on-campus. At these locations they customized testing on blade designs, turbine generator units, and complete designs.

Second Decade: 1987 - 1997

AEI's Solar Energy Building

During this decade the organization focused on green building projects. The most notable of these was AEI's Solar Energy Building.[2] Finished in 1993, the building served as the main site for AEI's operations for seventeen years. The building covered all of the organization's energy usage, including an on-site 10 kW Bergey wind turbine installation, and 3 kW of photovoltaics.

Several electric vans were donated to the organization at this time, two of which were maintained for several years. These vans were used to collect data and complete local wind energy projects, as well as to give campus and test site tours.[3]

Starting in 1995, AEI began working with the Texas General Land Office to provide Texas Wind Data to the public. While the GLO data sites have since been decommissioned,[4] the organization still collects, analyzes and publishes Texas Wind Data for the general public.

Now: 1998 - Present

AEI is currently focusing on developing a new degree plan at WTAMU[5] as well as continuing its research on green energy systems. In terms of turbine testing, the organization focuses on small blade and turbine testing, particularly innovative horizontal and vertical axis designs.

In 2010, the AEI test site was moved to the Nance Ranch.[6] At this time, the organization's offices were also moved, to WTAMU's Palo Duro Research Facility.[7]

In the late 90s, AEI also began developing a fortran program called ROTOR. The program could predict theoretical power curves for blade designs and produce screen and printed output of this. The program has been modified a few times since then and is still being used today.[8]

During this time, AEI's Wind Data program has greatly expanded. In addition to working with wind farmers to provide data for the public, the organization also analyzes and publishes data for private organizations. In total, the organizations now collects data from 75 sites scattered across Texas. 50 of these data sites are archived online, 31 of which offer data for public use by researchers and developers.[9]

Education

Courses

Since 2009, AEI has been offering online alternative energy courses at WTAMU on Wind energy, Solar energy and Renewable energy. Currently, WT offers one course per semester, with alternating subjects. The courses are taught by AEI staff and are open to WT students and those seeking certification.

In addition to the online courses offered by WTAMU, AEI has also authored renewable energy textbooks[10] and educational CDs. The CDs cover the subjects of wind energy, wind turbines, solar energy and wind water pumping. Some CDs are also available in Spanish.[11]

Seminars & Symposiums

Windy Land Owners

Started in 1989, AEI has been giving annual Windy Land Owners seminars. Designed to teach land owners and other interested parties general information about the wind industry, most of the seminars took place in the states surrounding Texas. Due to increased interest, AEI began giving seminars in Texas starting in 2001.[12]

Topics covered at these seminars include:

Starting in 2009, AEI also began offering presentations from the WLO Seminars online for general information.

WEATS

AEI's Assistant Director of Training, Education and Outreach lecturing at WEATS 2007.

AEI's Solar Energy Building

Launched in 1998, The Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium (WEATS) is an internationally acclaimed workshop for the Native American community. Designed for project planners, developers, utility officials, and engineers directly involved with energy projects, it is both a good resource for networking and developing practical knowledge.[13]

Topics covered at this symposium include:

Community Involvement

In addition to its seminars and workshops, AEI also regularly offers consulting to potential wind farmers and hosts tours of its research facilities.

As part of its community outreach, the organization also presents at the Caprock Science Fair[14] and other local schools, informing students about wind energy via displays, demonstrations and brochures at the elementary, junior high and high school levels.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Carr, David (February 22, 2010). "Regional Wind Test Center - Our History". Windtestcenter.org. Alternative Energy Institute.
  2. ↑ "Solar Building 1993 Photo Gallery". Windenergy.org. Alternative Energy Institute. May 11, 2009.
  3. ↑ LaFleur, Oral (2002), "Proceedings of the 2002 ASEE Gulf-Southwest Annual Conference", in The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Exploring Renewable Energy Education, 4, American Society for Engineering Education, p. 11
  4. ↑ "Mapping and Monitoring Sustainable Energy" (Cached). September 20, 2010. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
  5. ↑ Ranaivo, Yann (September 16, 2010). "New WT research head focused on turbines, degree program". Amarillo Globe-News. Morris Publishing Group.
  6. ↑ Welch, Kevin (July 2, 2010). "Energy institute: Change afoot: Vaughn's departure among the shifts". Amarillo Globe-News. Morris Publishing Group.
  7. ↑ "Palo Duro Research Facility". West Texas A&M University.
  8. ↑ Clark, R.N (1979), Schneider, A.D., ed., Irrigation Pumping with Wind Energy, 60 (5), Transactions of the ASABE, p. 30, 0002-1458
  9. ↑ Tangler, JL (2002), The nebulous art of using wind tunnel aerofoil data for predicting rotor performance, Wind Energy, Wiley Online Library, p. 11
  10. ↑ Vaughn, Nelson (2009). Wind energy: Renewable energy and the environment. CRC Press. p. 304. ISBN 978-1-4200-7568-7.
  11. ↑ "University Bookstore: West Texas A&M University". Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  12. ↑ Romig, Georgia (October 22, 2009). "Seminar blows wind farmers away". The Prairie. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium (WEATS), September 28–30, 2010 in Golden, CO". TEEIC News and Events. Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearing House. August 25, 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  14. ↑ Beck, Bruce (June 4, 2008), "Science Fair: Students show off projects at Caprock", Amarillo Globe-News, retrieved December 6, 2010
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