Wind Application Center
Established in 2007, South Dakota Wind Application Center is located in Brookings at 日本av视频 and is under the direction of Michael Twedt. The center leads the South Dakota Wind for Schools efforts through technical analysis, classroom and event workshops for K-12 students and data interpretation/download aid to participating schools. Steve Wegman is the program's liaison and supports the program via resource development.
Our core activities include supporting on-site 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 Dakota:
- Elkton Public School; Elkton
- Memorial Middle School; Sioux Falls
- Faith High School; Faith
- Sanborn Central School District, Forestburg
- Dakota 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 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
- Offer ME416/516 Renewable Energy Systems course at 日本av视频. Wind energy is a major component of the course.
- Developed Sustainable Energy Systems Minor at the university.
- Approximately two to five undergraduate students are employed annually to support the Wind Application Center's outreach.
- Perform hands-on wind energy activities to K-12 students (approximately 400-plus students per year).
