On Earth Day last month, the University of Minnesota Duluth unveiled its new wind turbine and let it spin in the breeze for the first time. Located at the UMD farm, this 65 foot, 5-kilowatt turbine boasts very little friction, thanks to internal magnetic gears.
The magnets in the Wind Tech, Inc turbine transfer force between shafts without touching, eliminating oil and slowing the blades, which bolsters efficiency and decreases maintenance costs. This novel technology stems from the funding and resources of nine different groups, including seed grants from NE CERT and Northeast Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.
Resulting from collaboration among students, faculty, and staff from the biology, sustainability, engineering, and geography departments, this innovative turbine was designed in spring 2014 and constructed in the fall when a tower became available. The foundation was poured in October 2014 and the tower was installed in March 2015. This project enables further research and learning opportunities and generates renewable energy.
“Not only are we modeling sustainable agriculture and increasing UMD’s renewable energy production,” noted UMD Mechanical Engineering Professor Alison Hoxie, “this creates a land lab where students across multiple disciplines can come together and learn through an active and hands-on experience.”
Many students worked on this project from its inception. An Advanced Writing group checked the feasibility and then wrote a recommendation. Then a GIS in Regional Sustainability Applications student group proposed the location and created a map. Since its operation, students have used the turbine for research. A Civil Engineering graduate student will use the structure for his Master’s thesis. Finally, a Biology major has identified and tracked birds to study migratory patterns of raptors at the UMD farm.
Northeast CERT supported this project with a $2,500 Seed Grant awarded during the 2012-2013 round.
Project Snapshot:
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Technology: Small Wind Turbine
- Total cost: $55,000
- NE CERT Funding: $2,500
- Renewable Energy System Size: 5 kW
- Estimated Energy Produced: 11,000 kWh per year
- People Involved & Reached: 101
Click here learn more about the wind turbine and project on UMD’s website >>
Click here to read a story about the project by NMRSDP (starts pg 10) >>
Want to learn how your community can get a CERTs Seed Grant to advance your work? Applications for the next round of grants are available and due October 26th. To get started, visit the Seed Grant page and see other awarded projects from past years.
