Wind Power Feasibility Study/Highlights/Sept 2008
From Green Needham
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The Dedham Savings Bank Foundation's grant of $5,000 is a significant step in evaluating the feasibility of wind power in Needham.
Evaluating the case for Wind Power in Needham
The purpose of the Wind Power Feasibility Study is to evaluate the strength of the wind resource at the Needham Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS). While wind power has traditionally been associated in the public mind with large scale offshore wind farms, the fact is that it can be financially attractive at multiple scales, even down to the level of an individual building owner. Furthermore, even areas with modest amounts of overall wind can be viable if the location is suitable.
The feasibility project will generate the wind data necessary to build and evaluate the financial case for installing a wind turbine at the Needham RTS. If that business case shows a reasonable payback period, installation of a turbine will save the town money while generating clean power that does not depend on fossil fuel prices and availability.
Collaboration with Needham High School
The Wind Power Feasibility Project represents an important collaboration between Needham High School and the greater Needham community. It is an opportunity for teachers from various disciplines to coordinate the introduction of this technology to a wide variety of students.
- All students at Needham High School will be introduced to the energy transfers and mechanics involved in a wind turbine in the sophomore physics curriculum.
- In math, students can use the data to learn how to calculate the payback from investments in alternative energy sources that could be applied to their homes.
- Environmental Science students will calculate the potential output of a turbine based on the wind data and explore the role of wind turbines in the total energy picture.
- U.S. Government and Economics students will examine energy policy statutes and initiatives that constrain or promote alternative energy.
- Students in the Environmental Action Club will examine wind turbine technology as part of a sustainable lifestyle.
Overall, the concepts behind wind turbine technology will reach over 600 students each year. Good educational practice suggests that content should be applicable and relevant to the students lives. Participating in this project accomplishes this goal while engaging students in a meaningful initiative.
Peter Kiefer and Darcy Ronan of the Needham High School Science faculty submitted the proposal that resulted in a grant of $5,000 from the Needham Education Foundation to support this project.
Getting Involved
If you would like further information or are interested in getting involved in this Green Needham project, please contact George Kinel.
