| Y Wind & Solar FAQs |
| Draft April 5, 2010 |
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| PROJECT |
| What is the purpose of the Y Wind and Solar project? |
| This demonstration project is designed to give our community hands-on experience with alternative energy sources, specifically wind and solar power generation, in a more urban landscape. We are exploring the technical and non-technical barriers and challenges specific to our area; providing research opportunities for students and faculty; and using this new knowledge to create educational opportunities for interested citizens. This provisional wind and solar site will assist the Town of Blacksburg as they work to create regulations that promote alternate energy systems with thoughtful integration into our community. |
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| Who is behind this project? |
| This effort is led by the YMCA at VT and faculty from Virginia Tech, who together received a Community Action Grant from Virginia Tech's Office of the Vice President for Research in early 2009. The all-volunteer group is comprised of citizens, Town of Blacksburg officials, Virginia Tech faculty and students, and local energy-related businesses. |
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| Where is it and why? |
| The system is located at the Y Center at 1000 North Main Street in Blacksburg, Virginia, less than 0.5 miles from the Virginia Tech campus. This site was chosen, not because of ideal wind resources, but because one of the project objectives is to explore the feasibility of wind in a setting that mimics a residential or small business environment. Additionally, the Y already serves as a hub for community education and sustainability initiates and that location should provide maximum exposure for the system. |
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| How was this system funded? |
| The seed money for the project was provided by a Community Action Grant from Virginia Tech's Office of the Vice President for Research. Generous sponsorships of equipment, supplies, and service have been provided by: Solar Connexion, Bell Electric, Streamlined Strategies, State Electric Supply Co., Pierre LaFlamme, PE, Richard Reid Builders, the VT Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, and the YMCA at VT. Additional sponsorships and support continue to be welcomed! |
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| SYSTEM DESIGN |
| What kind of wind turbine is that? |
| We opted for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) because there is some evidence that their design is better suited to the more turbulent and unpredictable nature of the wind resources in an area that has many elevation changes and is populated by buildings and trees. This design is also intended to reduce vibrations and noise and to look more solid when spinning, which prevents bird and bat collisions. |
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| What are the specifications of the turbine? |
| This model is a 600W unit from Urban Green Energy. The turbine itself weighs just 130 lbs and is 5’3” tall with a diameter of 4’2”. It’s designed to operate in wind speeds between about 6 and 56 mph. |
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| What are the specifications of the solar panels? |
| The system includes 6 – 175 W panels, mounted on the Y roof. Each panel weighs just 34 lbs and is 62” x 30”. Combined, the six panels are rated to provide up to 1050W of power. |
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| Is this system powering the Y? Is it selling power back to the electric utility? |
| This system is designed to be “grid interactive” so that it is connected back to the electric utility, American Electric Power in this case. In reality, the amount of power generated is less than what the Y needs to operate so the electricity generated won’t actually leave the Y site. However, by meeting at least some of the Y’s needs, it will reduce the electric bill! |
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| Why is this project so complicated and taking so long? |
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| Can I see how much power is being generated from the solar and wind sides? |
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| RESIDENTIAL/SMALL BUSINESS WIND AND SOLAR |
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| Does wind power makes sense in this area? Does solar? |
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| How do I go about putting up my own wind turbine in the Town of Blacksburg? What about solar? |
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