CU Boulder Wind Team
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
Faculty Adviser
Roark Lanning, [email protected]
Student Lead
Claire Isenhart, [email protected]
Vision and Mission
The CU-Boulder team recognizes offshore wind energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Wind energy will create a cleaner future with lower carbon emissions, and we are particularly interested in the possibilities for offshore wind turbine foundation innovations that incorporate artificial reef structures. Our participation in the U.S Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC) enables our team to investigate technological advances in wind turbine development—all while in a collaborative environment.
Background
The first CU Boulder Wind team was selected as a learn-along team for the 2021 CWC. This group of senior mechanical engineers used their hands-on experience in the CWC to help complete their year-long capstone projects. The 2021 team’s experience has also resulted in valuable recommendations for future teams, including starting early on our wind power plant design and reducing the overall weight of the nacelle (the part of the wind turbine that sits on top of the tower and houses the drivetrain).
The CWC organizers initially invited us to return as a learn-along team for the 2022 competition, but we are thrilled to share that, after a strong performance in the first half of the 2021-22 academic year, the CWC organizers promoted us to a competing team, meaning we are now eligible for awards! Our team comprises a new group of mechanical engineers whose participation in the competition satisfies part of their senior design class requirements. They are joined by a junior civil engineering student who will help with the foundation design.
Back row: (left to right): Graham Blanco, Alec Kostovny, Aaron Schwan, Erik Feiereisen, Simon Grzebien. Front row: Anika Levy, Charles Candon, Claire Isenhart, Luke Walker
Strategy
Our team works together in the Senior Design Lab for at least 10 hours each week, which allows members to regularly connect and collaborate. We also begin each semester with a team dinner to help foster strong relationships. Each team member seeks out design input and support from others, creating a cohesive and collaborative environment. Our diverse team members are proficient in computer-aided design and Python coding, and some members have research experience with wind turbine technology.
Our team also relies on guidance from a variety of mentors, including the team director, who provides insight into real-world wind turbine projects. A doctoral candidate, who specializes in thermal capacity of generators, helped the electrical team develop a thermal test for the generator. To gain a better understanding of the technology used in wind systems, we also interviewed representatives from Bergey Windpower.
Follow Us
This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team. Find more information on CWC 2022.