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Appalachian provides wind energy solutions |
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Tuesday, 06 February 2007 |
by AUBREY RESECH
News Reporter
In an era with environmental consciousness on the rise, Appalachian State University offers the region several ways to participate in the movement.
Energy sources and their improvements have been one main environmental focus for students and faculty over recent years.
 Active Image | Brent Summerville | Special to The Appalachian
Bergey Excel turbines can, at a good wind site, generate enough electricity for an average household. Installation cost is about $35,000.
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One of the largest and progressive initiatives, wind power, has already begun to be utilized within the community.
The North Carolina Small Wind Initiative (NCSWI) is responsible for the presence of wind power in the Appalachian region.
“We are here to guide folks who become interested in solar, wind,
micro-hydro and energy efficiency from [their] awareness all the way to
[their] adoption of it,” Brent J. Summerville, project manager for
NCSWI, said.
Wind power is an innovative and inexpensive renewable energy source.
According to the N.C. Wind Energy Web site, wind energy comes from air currents that blow across the earth’s surface.
Devices called wind turbines are able to utilize the kinetic energy and convert it into useable power and produce electricity.
Wind power can occur on both residential and utility scales. The size
of a wind turbine and the wind speed required to produce electricity
vary between the two factors.
The NCSWI receives a lot of support from the department of technology and the appropriated technology program at Appalachian.
They also have a close relationship with the ASU Energy Center.
Dr. Dennis M. Scanlin is a professor in the technology department and is also the director of NCSWI.
He has coordinated Appalachian’s appropriate technology program since
1984. Renewable energy has always been a major departmental focus, he
said.
“I believe the energy problem is one of the most important facing
today,” Scanlin said. “The currently used fuels which power our world
are non-renewable and are rapidly diminishing, causing serious
environmental problems. I think we all need to do whatever we can to
make a transition to more sustainable and less polluting forms of
energy.”
One drawback that arises when considering wind power is that it only works in specific places in the Appalachian region.
“If one lives in a valley or off the mountain in the lowlands of the
piedmont and down East, it is not windy enough to utilize wind turbines
economically,” Summerville said.
Two other current initiatives are also part of the renewable energy movement in the region.
The ASU Renewable Energy Initiative, founded by Appalachian students,
has a vision to implement renewable energy programs on campus.
The Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative is dedicated to
creating a sustainable energy future by increasing the adoption of
renewable energy technology through outreach, education and
consultations, Summerville said.
Students interested in becoming part of the energy movement have several different options.
Volunteer opportunities are available and offer students the
opportunity to gain hands-on experience doing work with the wind
turbines.
The ASU Sustainable Energy Society is another option for students looking to raise campus awareness on renewable energy.
“Renewable energies are becoming part of the mainstream and are no
longer just alternatives,” Joseph M. Smith, a graduate student of
industrial technology, said. “ASU’s appropriate technology department
has the great opportunity to lead this change, and the WNCREI is one
aspect of that effort.”
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