College of Engineering mounts an innovative, compact wind turbine on its roof

The College of Engineering has found another way to help Wayne State become green.
The college recently erected a Franklin Vertical Axis Wind Turbine on its roof.
It is mounted on a mast that extends 30 feet in the air and will initially power the computer lab in the building.
Franklin Wind Energy Group developed the turbine, which can take wind from any direction. It operates at a low speed with no vibration and makes little noise. It can provide steady power for up to 10 hours using its battery storage.
“This design is more suited to an urban setting and able to capture multi-directional winds, updrafts and turbulence as found in urban environments,” adjunct professor David Koyle said. “It is more powerful than competitors in this class and more rugged. It is also bird-friendly.”
Electrical engineering researchers will be able to evaluate performance and make improvements.
“As the whole world and our nation move towards renewable energy development, it is necessary for WSU to have research and educational programs in renewable energy,” said Caisheng Wang, an assistant professor in the college. “Wind is the fastest growing and most feasible renewable energy technology.”
The College of Education students will benefit from the turbine, which will be used as a teaching tool. A course on alternative energy systems has been developed and will utilize the wind turbine, Wang said.
He also said students will be encouraged to generate new concepts for wind energy systems by evaluating the existing system and data collected from it. It allows them to get involved in research related to other alternative energy systems.
The turbine will be used with the university’s Alternative Energy Technology program.
The research faculty will be able to use the turbine to research wind related concepts.
Wang hopes the turbine will bring in research money to the university and generate more patentable technologies.
“The wind turbine on campus is a new sign for WSU’s continuous effort and serious action in pursuing sustainable energy development,” he said.