Appalachian State University
IN-1: Innovation 1

A student group funds and installs the largest operational wind turbine in North Carolina

In June of 2009, a group of 7 students, along with faculty and staff advisors, completed a project that is North Carolina's largest operational wind turbine installation. This unique project was conceived, managed and in part funded (60%) by students. The successful completion of this $500,000 project was a collaboration between students, faculty, staff, administration and the University-owned utility, New River Light and Power Co, who subsequently funded the remaining 40%, along with a Class of 2009 Senior gift donation.

The student group responsible for this project is called the Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative (ASUREI). The ASUREI is a group of students whose mission is to reduce the university's dependence on fossil energy and serve as an educational outreach component for renewable energy.

Called the Broyhill Wind Project, this project raised the profile of the university to show our dedication to sustainable energy technologies. Our students are graduating from a university that is proactively leading the charge to meet the demands for sustainable solutions to energy. The wind data from this project is available to all classes for analysis and research.

The Broyhill Wind Project serves the State as a public educational tool through tours and presentations. One important outcome the installation of this turbine has been, and continues to be, its effect on the public debate of wind energy in Western North Carolina. Being the largest installation in the state, this turbine was selected because it mirrors a modern, utility scale machine. (It is a mono-pole, upwind, three-bladed machine.) The public now has a local installation to visit in order to experientially inform how wind turbines sound, look and perform crystallizing perceptions of wind energy in Western North Carolina.

Part of the success story behind the Broyhill Wind Project is the process by which the students executed the project. The student team sought the buy-in of the surrounding community and involved the community in open and clear dialogue about the project. The utmost due diligence was done to ensure understandable implications for the community.

This machine is a 100kW machine standing 153 feet tall. It produces approximately enough energy for 15 average southeastern US homes for one year.

The ASUREI is entirely student funded. The annual operating budget is approximately $150,000. To date, the ASUREI has completed 8 projects on campus, including 4 photovoltaic arrays, one commercial solar thermal system and the Broyhill Wind Project.