Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division
Team Name:
Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division
California State University, Chico; Chico, California
Why this Competition?
The Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division is excited to be a returning competitor in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2020 Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC).
Project Description
The Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division has gone back to the drawing board for its 2020 wind turbine design. This more mechanical approach uses the team’s knowledge of fluid dynamics to capture energy from the wind using a ducted turbine. The team also plans to utilize robust composite materials for the blades.
Game Plan
Chico State is producing a new wind turbine design and welcoming new team members from a variety of majors for the 2020 CWC. The team comprises several subteams, and roles within these are solidifying as the competition nears. While the technical side of the team is hard at work on the mechanical and electrical components of the turbine, the business and marketing team is working on project development. A few hybrid members are working on multiple sections of the project to ensure all bases are covered.
Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division
Team Strengths
The Chico State team has a strong, multidisciplinary foundation, with team members coming from a range of backgrounds—from electrical, mechanical, mechatronic, computer, and civil engineering to computer science, construction management, business, and marketing.
Several team members who were past CWC competitors are serving as advisors on the project, helping ensure the team retains the valuable institutional knowledge acquired from previous years’ competitions.
Team Hurdles
Because of the team’s recent growth, officer roles have switched, which has led to a learning curve. Also, the team must work around busy student schedules and find time to learn new ideas required by the competition—such as wind farm siting. Fortunately, the team has some extremely dedicated students who have learned vast amounts about the subject in just a couple short semesters.
Competition Objectives
The Chico State Alternative Energy Club Wind Division plans to work together to accomplish collective goals and achieve success in the 2020 CWC.
Follow Us
Instagram: @csucalternativeenergy
This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team.