Effective Implementation of a Small Scale Building Mounted Renewable Energy System
Project Leader
Dan Barron
[email protected]
(716) 725-4496
Team Members
Dylan Broomfield
Sky McDonough
Adviser
Dr. Ken Visser
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Problem Statement
Energy generated from fossil fuel is having an adverse effect on the environment.
Climate change and environmental pollution is a problem for contemporary society and needs to
be addressed in the coming years, especially on the university campus. Renewable technology
offers an alternative energy source to greatly reduce carbon emissions. However, for renewable
energy to have the greatest impact the system must be implemented in an effective way. An in
depth analysis of the available wind and solar resource is essential in determining a system that
will produce the greatest amount of energy.
Implementing a small building mounted wind and solar energy generation system will
give insight on the general process of creating the most efficient renewable energy system in an
urban area. A small-scale system will have a negligible impact on the environment, but research
done on the building mounted system will aid to address the problem of renewable penetration in
residential and city environments, where many campuses are located. These methods can be
scaled up and determined if it is economically feasible to construct a larger system.
Project Summary
In the fall the initial proposal focused on researching wind speeds over various university
buildings to determine the most feasible location to place a building mounted wind turbine
(BAWT). For this research NYSP2I had donated funding for the purchase of two anemometers
and one weather station. During the investigation to determine which locations to test, it was
discovered that the university had already purchased two micro-turbines that are awaiting
installation. It was then decided that this first installation of anemometers on the university
campus should accompany the location already chosen for the micro-turbines. This would allow
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further research and analysis to be done on the efficiency of the wind turbines and the energy
produced under various weather conditions. A secondary investigation includes a control
anemometer placed in the parking lot to see if the building increases the wind speed over the
building as theoretically expected (Simiu).
Currently the weather station is installed and taking data. The additional anemometers are
awaiting installation based on the hub height of the micro-turbines and an installer coming this
week. Most of the focus of this project has turned to installing the small-scale renewable energy
system. The small-scale system will allow research that can determine efficient scaling of
renewable energy to greatly offset electricity needs, especially in urban and residential areas.
Once the full energy system with anemometers is installed the research will include wind flow
assessment for BAWTs, data to investigate the intermittency of renewable energy and how to use
it most efficiently for a green data center, the size of a renewable energy system necessary to
provide various stages of electric vehicles (EV) with electricity, and the increased energy output
from a solar tracking photovoltaic (PV) panel compared to a stationary PV.
The goals of the project have changed greatly from the beginning proposal and in a
positive way. Trying to prove to the university a BAWT is feasible and then finding out that
there is one already planned for construction is reassuring. Locating the engineering drawings
and finding all the components of the system is the next step. Storage of the system was
questionable and it has apparently been waiting three years to be implemented. Hopefully the
university will support the push to put this system up over the summer so we can begin to do
additional research and assemble a proposal for a different building mounted renewable system.
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Relationship to Sustainability
Renewable energy systems, as stated in the problem statement, greatly reduce carbon
emissions and reduce the overall impact electricity generation has on the environment.
Investigating the available renewable resource, particularly the wind, makes the implementation
of the system much more effective (Stankovic). Fully understanding the intermittency of
renewable power will allow the energy to be used more efficiently. Renewable energy offers
promise in creating a more sustainable energy infrastructure, but much more research and
innovation must be done before it can have a greater impact.
Proving that this type of building mounted renewable energy system can be mounted
successfully on the roof of a university building will pave the way to larger such projects in the
future. One of the problems with renewable energy implementation, especially wind turbines, is
public perspective. Having this type of system will show those who oppose BAWTs that it is
possible and safe (Dutton). As for the effect on the local environment, this size of system poses
no threat to the surrounding wildlife. It will be interesting to see if the BAWTs kill any birds, but
this is highly unlikely. Overall this project has a negligible effect on the environment, but the
research done on our design will inform those looking to implement a renewable energy system
more effectively, resulting in a system with the least environmental impact.
Materials and Methods
First part of the project was to order three anemometers. Two WindLog data loggers were
purchased along with a Vantage Vue weather station. Once the instruments arrived they were
tested in the university wind tunnel to determine if they were correctly calibrated. A pitot-static
tube was used to determine the wind velocity in the wind tunnel. All three wind measurement
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devices were successful in reading the correct wind speed, ensuring they were ready to be
mounted. The next step was to determine which university buildings would be the best location
to place the anemometers. We were accompanied out on the roofs of multiple buildings by
facilities to locate obstructions and places where the devices could easily be mounted. However,
it was discovered that the university is planning on placing two microturbines on the roof on the
TAC, making that a primary location to measure wind speeds and take data. Conveniently, there
exists a small antenna tower next to the cited location where anemometers could be placed at
various heights. To try and prove the theoretical expectation that the building increases wind
speed, an anemometer will be placed on a light post in the parking lot located southwest of the
TAC. This will give wind speed data before the wind reaches the building giving a necessary
comparison.
The weather station was placed on the lower part of the antenna tower using the supplies
in Table 1, and could easily be done without assistance. However, since training is needed to
climb an antenna tower we have a certified tower climber coming to install the others. The
control anemometer waiting to be placed on the light post will be done a day that facilities is not
busy with the bucket truck, which is expected to be any day. Once all the anemometers are
placed in their designated positions multiple analyses will be done to determine the wind regime
that the planned microturbines will experience.
The wind speed measured at the control anemometer will be used to determine the wind
speed at a higher height. This will be compared to the data being taken at that height at the
antenna tower to see if the building is in fact increasing the wind flow over the building,
resulting in higher wind speeds. Also, the wind shear coefficient, turbulence, average wind
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speed, and expected energy out from a specific turbine will be calculated using the wind speed
data.
When we were informed that the university has a small scale renewable energy system to
be implemented, getting the system installed became our main goal. This system will give a great
reference point to how the wind speed data we are taking can be used. The system was being
poorly stored down in the university physical plant and we were instructed to pick it up and put
the system in a more safe storage area. So, we went down to the plant and aided the workers in
searching for the equipment. We found two microturbines, two PV solar panels, pieces of a solar
mounting device, an inverter, two charge controllers, and guy wires with some wind turbine
mounting equipment. All the equipment was brought back to the alternative energy lab, and then
cleaned and inspected. Both turbines and PVs were tested, all giving a voltage and current. We
are now in the process of locating all the rest of the pieces of the system, including the poles that
the turbines are being mounted on.
Results, Evaluation, and Demonstration
It is interesting how much the goal of a research project can change due to different
circumstances. A large success of this project was locating the small scale renewable energy
system, bringing it back to the lab, and starting to put it back together. We are now doing our
best to try and get the system installed over the summer.
The small scale renewable energy system is expected to produce around 3 megawatthours of electricity annually. The amount of expected carbon emissions to be saved from the
small system annually is 4,395 kilograms of carbon dioxide, and would save the burning of 1,500
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kilograms of coal. Over its life span it could save up to 87,900 kilograms of carbon dioxide if the
system lasts for 20 years.
Obviously it is hard to determine the exact success of our project because it has changed
dramatically from the beginning and because all the equipment isn’t mounted yet. Even after
everything is in place, including the renewable energy system, it will take a year worth of data
before any detailed analysis can be done. All the research that will be done on the system,
including the wind flow analysis, will hopefully aid in the larger scaling use of renewable
energy. There is a focus on using renewable energy on a green data center and the type and scale
of system needed to successfully power a number of electric cars. Specifically, the wind flow
analysis is aimed to show that in order for urban wind turbines or BAWTs to be successful
extensive research on the wind regime must be done prior to installation (Kalmikov).
The end goal is to effectively use renewable energy on the university campus as much as
possible. The more renewable energy implemented on the campus, the greater the positive
impact the university is having on the environment. There are steps needed to be taken before
fully committing to renewable energy, especially increased efficiency in the use of electricity and
heating on the campus, which is being done at the moment. Renewable energy implemented with
increased efficiency in heating and electricity results in the most benefit (Stankovic). It is seen by
many that renewable energy will be used in the future and we should continue to do research on
how to make extracting energy from renewable sources as efficient as possible.
In the exhibition event our group will be focused mostly on the wind data we are taking
and what type of analyses we plan on doing for BAWTs. Also, we would like to demonstrate the
potential and advantages using renewable energy for specific tasks such as powering a data
center or recharging electric vehicles. Using renewable energy for the previous listed processes
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will eliminate the necessary grid-tie that can have an adverse effect on the grid system as a
whole.
Conclusion
The infiltration of renewable energy into the marketplace is an ongoing and changing
process. An abundant amount of research is being done to determine the most effective way to
extract and use renewable energy. Our group will continue to analyze the wind data to determine
the most effective ways to implement BAWTs. Also, we are excited to finally have a small
renewable system to analyze and determine the kind of system needed to power different entities.
We have also learned the different intricacies that go with trying to install certain monitoring
systems, such as the anemometers on the antenna tower.
We see a great amount of potential in the future for small renewable energy systems to
power such things as EV recharging systems, data centers, smart grid technology, and small
residential homes. An ideal EV charging station would consist of solar panels and wind turbines,
eliminating the energy to be transported. A main barrier preventing the electric vehicle from
getting to the market is the lack of infrastructure where small renewable systems can have a large
impact. As a university, we believe the school should be on the forefront of initiating such
technology. We hope that after our analysis of the available renewable energy resource and the
annual production of the system, we will be able to determine the most economically effective
way to use renewable energy for a variety of needs, even in urban areas. As a last thing, we
would like to thank NYSP2I for supporting our research and has played a large role in getting
our team involved with various renewable energy projects on campus. We look forward to
continuing our research over the summer and next year.
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Appendix.
Diagram 1.
The compressed air flow lines display an increase in wind velocity. The experiment is aimed to
try and prove that the wind velocity measured at location 2 is greater than location 1. Both of the
locations are at the same height off the ground, so if it is proven that location 2 has a greater
wind velocity, the building is indeed increase the air flow. Three anemometers at different
heights are to be mounted on the antenna tower. A control anemometer will be used to determine
the wind speed experienced at location 1. Note that the wind is not perpendicular at the edge of
the building. Research into tilt activated wind turbines may be an important step in increase the
feasibility of BAWTs.
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Graph 1.
Table 1.
Parts List
Vantage Vue Weather Station
WindLog Data Logger (2x)
Per Unit Total
$350.00 $350.00
$315.00 $630.00
Mounting Systems (All donated)
PVC Pipe
Clamps
Ethernet Cords (extension)
Zip ties
Steel Pole Extension
Total
$980.00
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Picture 1-4.
Top Left- Three anemometers being retrofitted to be mounted on the antenna tower
Top Right- Two solar panels rated at 100 watts for the small renewable energy system
Bottom Left- PVC mounting system used to attach anemometer to antenna tower
Bottom Right- Vantage Vue weather station mounted
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Additional Materials for ISE Report
Above this next section was the report submitted to NYSP2I. Since then there have been
a couple additional goals completed. Wind speed is currently being measured at three locations
on the antenna tower. I have also included the recommendations section below to see where
Clarkson can take this project in the future.
Recommendations
I believe the wind data will be able to provide the optimal height to place a micro-turbine
for urban or residential areas. In the future I would like to see the implementation of a building
mounted renewable energy system that is being used to charge electric vehicles on campus.
Demonstrating this successfully is essential in proving the feasibility of electric vehicles. Also,
an analysis of a small scale microturbine and solar panel can be used to determine the sizes
necessary to provide for a family. Finally, if Clarkson is going to place a large wind turbine on
campus it would be critical to begin to take on-site measurements at various locations to
determine the most effective placement for that as well.
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Diagram 2.
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Above is the set up being used to measure wind speed flowing over the TAC and Science Center.
The graph below shows the data taken for the lower WindLog data logger. I plan on doing an in
depth analysis to see the effects the building has on higher and lower wind speeds. I hypothesize
the location of greatest acceleration will differ depending on the wind speed, most likely in a
lower location for low speeds and in higher location for high wind speeds.
Graph 2.
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Picture 5 and 6.
Above is the final measurement set up on the Science Center.
Above is Chris Shea, a tower climber from Tamarack that donated his time and services to help
us out on the project.
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References
Dutton, Halliday, Blanch. "The Feasibility of Building-Mounted/Integrated Wind Turbines
(BUWTs): Achieving their potential for carbon emission reductions." Energy
Research Unit, CCCLRC (2005): 118.
Francis Vanek, Louis Albright. Energy Systems Engineering: Evaluation and Implementation.
McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Kalmikov, Alex. "Wind power resource assessment in complex urban environments: MIT
campus case-study using CFD Analysis." MIT Renewable Energy Projects (2010): 28.
Nemry, Leduc, Munoz. "Plug-in Hybrid and Battery-Electric Vehicles: State of research and
development and comparative analysis of energy and cost efficiency." Institute for
Prospective Technological Studies (2009): 52.
Ragheb, M. "Wind Shear, Roughness Classes, and Wind Turbine Energy Production."
(2011): 1-15.
Simiu, Emil. Wind Effects on Structures: An Introduction to Wind Engineering. New York,
New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1978.
Stankovic, Sinisa. Urban Wind Energy. Virginia: Earthscan, 2009.
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