Abstract

Purpose/Hypothesis

Literature Review

Experimental Design

Material/
Equipment

Test Station Construction

Procedure

Observations

Calculations

Results

Statistical Analysis
Conclusions

Discussion
Sources of Error

Glossary of Terms

Acknowledgements
Bibliography

Applications & Cost Effectiveness

Opposition to the production of electricity from fossil fuels is rising and the earth's non-renewable resources are depleting. In 2001, Ontario's five coal fired power plants were responsible for 20% of all greenhouse gases released in the province, 23% of all sulphur dioxide emissions, 14% of nitrogen emissions and 23% of mercury emissions. These plants are scheduled for closure by 2007.

Wind power offers a pollution free, electricity-generating alternative, using a renewable energy source. The cost of wind generated electricity is declining, in comparison with other energy sources.

This research could impact on the construction of wind turbines. Increased torque may permit increased turbine size and produce more electricity than that of a single rotor wind turbine. The use of multiple rotors to increase torque could result in lower construction costs because rotor blades would be smaller, fewer support towers would be required and the overall efficiency of wind turbines would increase.

My research could lower the cost of producing wind energy and have the added environmental appeal of requiring fewer wind towers. Less land would be utilized, less habitat destroyed and this could lessen some of the opposition to the construction of wind farms.

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy worldwide. I believe that it will become more popular in North America due to the Kyoto Protocol and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions.

Cost Effectiveness:
A 50 meter rotor windturbine costs approximately 2 million dollars. Construction costs include tower construction (20 %) and rotor cost (20 %). The cost of turbine components, foundation and maintenance does not rise in proportion to size.

Although cost information is difficult to obtain for proprietary reasons, I estimate that a multiple rotor design, with smaller, lighter and less expensive rotors, would exceed the performance of a conventional turbine, at a competitive cost.

Cost comparisons between traditional and green sources of power do not include medical expenses. The Ontario Medical Association estimates that air pollution costs Ontario more than $10 billion per year in health care costs, lost work time and other measurable expenses. The time for investment in alternative sources of energy is now!

Glossary