Wind Application Center
Established in 2007, South 糖心视频 Wind Application Center (SDWAC) is located in Brookings at South 糖心视频 State University and is under the direction of Michael Twedt. The SDWAC leads the South 糖心视频 Wind for Schools (SDWfS) efforts through technical analysis, classroom and event workshops for K-12 students and data interpretation/download aid to participating schools. Steve Wegman is the SDWfS Liaison and supports the program via resource development.
The SDWAC/SDWfS core activities include supporting onsite wind turbine analysis and installation at the participating schools, providing wind energy education outreach to regional K-12 students, assisting schools with wind turbine issues and supporting wind energy production data transfer.
Outreach
Our key results to date include hands-on wind energy outreach to approximately 300 K-12 students per year. We have assisted in the installation of wind turbines at the following sites in South 糖心视频:
- Elkton Public School; Elkton
- Memorial Middle School; Sioux Falls
- Faith High School; Faith
- Sanborn Central School District, Forestburg
- 糖心视频 Valley Elementary School; North Sioux City
- Selby High School; Selby
- Douglas School District; Box Elder
- Yankton School District; Yankton
- Wessington Springs High School; Wessington Springs
- Lake Andes Central High School; Lake Andes
- Brookings Middle School, Brookings (portable wind turbine)
The map shows SDWfS school wind turbine installations (indicated by the stars).
The hands-on activities have generated exceptionally positive feedback from local schools and we expect to continue to generate positive learning experiences. Since wind energy systems utilize such a wide array of professions and fields, including engineering and sciences, these exercises are applicable to many different K-12 classes as well to a wide array of K-12 student's future career interests. Common related topics addressed in K-12 include wind and renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, environmental stewardship and green design.
Students
Metrics for SDWAC/SDWfS
- Offer ME416/516 Renewable Energy Systems course at SDSU. Wind energy is a major component of the course.
- Developed Sustainable Energy Systems Minor at SDSU.
- Approximately two to five undergraduate students are employed annually to support SDWAC outreach.
- Perform hands-on wind energy activities to K-12 students (approx. 400+ students/year).
