Wind Break out Notes Nov 28
From GNC
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[edit] Notes from the Wind project update given on 11/28/07:
The main focus since our last meeting has been on collecting wind data at the RTS, and assessing the associated costs. We have found that the cost of a met tower would range from about $10,000 to $20,000 (including installation), depending on the height of the tower. Vendors recommend that wind data be collected as close to “hub height” as possible, so 60 meter towers are the most frequently used, although 50 meter and 40 meter towers are available.
Chip has checked on potential funding from the town, and there is some reluctance to spend money on a met tower right now, so we continue to investigate ways to fund this purchase. Michael mentioned that Dedham Savings Bank often looks for ways to contribute to the community, so perhaps they might be interested in supporting the cause in some way.
In the mean time, we will begin developing a financial model to assess the viability of installing a wind turbine at the RTS. The goal is to create a model with a number of input variables (such as turbine cost, power generation capacity, and cost savings and/or revenue generation) so that we can assess the cost/benefits and ROI associated with a number of different scenarios.
[edit] Notes from the Wind Break-Out session
[edit] Attendees:
- Chip Laffey
- Dave Duehren
- Lynn Klatt
- Kim Legelis
- George Kinel
We discussed locations that might be alternatives to the RTS (for installing a wind turbine). Sites discussed included Mitchell Elementary School and the Birds Hill area. Kim mentioned that there are some wind measurement instruments already installed on the roof of Mitchell, and offered to follow-up to see if we can utilize them to collect wind data there.
We also discussed the need to collect wind data at the RTS. Chip thought that one of the three towers already installed near the RTS might belong to WGBH. Kim volunteered to try to contact someone at WGBH to see if we could possibly install met sensors on it to collect wind data for the RTS.
Lynn believes that there may be financial models for wind turbine projects available on the web. She will research this and post (on our wiki) links to any free models that might be available.
George will try to begin collecting information on turbine costs/generating capacities, as this is a critical cost component of the financial model. George will also work with his neighbor (Martha Schleck) to try to develop an initial financial model.
Dave mentioned that it might be a good idea to have someone from UPC Wind (a local wind power company) come and speak about wind power projects at one of our GNC meetings. George will follow-up.
[edit] Wind-Related Action Items
- 1. Michael to call Dedham Savings Bank about funding support for a met tower.
- 2. Kim to investigate met equipment at Mitchell School.
- 3. Kim to investigate potential use of WGBH tower for wind data collection.
- 4. Lynn to search the web for free financial models and post links as appropriate.
- 5. George to begin collecting turbine data.
- 6. George to work with Martha Schleck on initial financial model.
- 7. George to follow-up on engaging a guest speaker from UPC Wind.
