Project Innovation

On-site wind turbines

Funding for the project will support the school’s infrastructure and help the school achieve a diverse portfolio of on-site generated energy. While wind energy is not commonly used in schools in Alberta, it can further reduce dependency on carbon. A bonus educational feature of the project will be visual displays of the site’s power generation. These displays will be set up within community spaces so that users (students and stakeholders alike) can view the relationship between the user, energy use, and energy type. Winder energy will also be incorporated into the curriculum so students can further understand energy consumption, generation metrics, and environmental impacts.

Energy production and weather conditions will be capture by individual meters installed on each turbine. Preliminary models and in-depth analysis of various turbine layouts, sizes and quantities were evaluated to ensure the most effective design will be built on-site. In addition to performing the initial installation, local tradespeople will provide long-term maintenance, which is considered essential for long-term success. Thus, the system was chosen for its simplicity, its ability to have local electricians trained on-site, and the availability of local trades to complete maintenance.

By demonstration the role of distribute wind systems within a holistic system, this project will provide an applied example of a technology that — with support data — could be effectively replicated throughout southern Alberta, particularly in areas with good wind speeds.

Project Findings

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