Learning to use Large Sets of Insolation and Wind Data

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As presented at STEM Education Summer Institute, STEM: Links to the Future, August, 2010: Session 4, Learning to use Large Sets of Insolation and Wind Data, Shawn Reeves, Wilber Hall 352 SUNY Oswego.

Participants will review resources and methods for gathering wind and solar data and will practice analyzing it using free and inexpensive tools for the purpose of siting and predicting electric generation. 

[Apologies for the title listed in the conference program which should end "insolation and wind data."]

Items

  1. Two common approaches to learning about wind power:
    1. Technology courses: Build the best possible turbine within constraints.
    2. Environmental science courses: Help preserve the environment by choosing renewable energy with lower environmental impact.
  2. Possible new approaches in STE courses:
    1. Learn to site wind turbines: Calculate payback periods;
    2. Learn wind science: Study air flow; study fluid dynamics; measure wind; seek patterns in wind statistics.
    3. Learn wind engineering: Iteratively design blades; choose materials; analyze possible electrical and mechanical configurations.
    4. Learn wind technology: Wire a turbine; wire a transformer; attach a gearbox; keep a gearbox lubricated.
    5. Make STE resources school- or district-wide: Share data from meters; analyze a pv system; use data-loggers for multiple topics.
  3. Analyzing wind data, an example of STE integration.
    1. Sources of data: Internet; students making their own measurements.
    2. Managing data: Storage; size; database software.
    3. Analyzing data: Database software; spreadsheet; graphing; open or guided inquiry.
  4. EnergyTeachers.org 2010 June newsletter: KidWind article.
  5. SUNYCO's Build a Solar Insolation Meter: Review this activity from 1987. Considering Item B, could this be expanded to encompass science and engineering?
  6. NYSERDA SchoolPower Naturally lesson plans:
    1. web site: http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/SchoolPowerNaturally/InTheClassroom/default.asp?i=9
    2. SPN lesson 13, "Solar Car Series:Angle/Energy Amount."
    3. SPN lesson 26, "Orienting a Photovoltaic Cell."
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