1) What is the difference between a wind turbine and a micro wind turbine?
Wind Turbines have blades larger than 15 meters, up to 40 meters. These blades are placed on towers up to 80 meters. In total, wind turbines can reach a height of 160 meters. Regular wind turbines are found in rural areas of open fields where they cannot disturb people in homes, and can operate without interference.
Micro wind turbines are small, not exceeding a rotor diameter of 15 meters. These micro turbines can reach up to 40 meters in height, excluding the rotor. These are used for small business and private home use.
http://www.windustry.org/how-big-are-wind-turbines.
2) Is the city of Boston including Mayor Menino and Deval Patrick supportive of the idea of installing micro wind turbines on Miller Hall?
While Mayor Thomas Menino and Governor Deval Patrick are uninformed about our plans for the installation of micro wind turbines, they hold green efforts in high regard. In fact, Mayor Menino’s goal is to turn “Bean Town” into “Green Town.” We trust that they will greatly support our contribution for the progression of renewable energy.
3) Why is 10 Somerset (Miller Hall) the chosen location of the turbines?
Miller Hall was chosen because its location is not within proximity of Beacon Hill residences, the area experiences a consistent average of 12 mph, and the roof is the newest out of the rest of the Suffolk community (other roofs will need replacement in the next five years).
4) How will the turbines affect students i.e. tuition, living in the dorm, etc?
The turbines will not affect students living in Miller Hall, other than a slight vibration in the building on the upper floors only. The micro wind turbines will essentially be forgotten by students living in the dorm, and have little to no effect on their everyday lives. In terms of tuition costs, we are not sure at this time if the University will plan to raise tuition for maintenance and installation of the turbines.
5) Will the turbines affect other electronics in the building? If so, how will they be affected?
No, the micro wind turbines will not interfere with other electronics nor will it interfere with television reception.
http://www.awea.org/faq/rsdntqa.html#Willithelptheenvironment
6) How much will the turbines cost Suffolk University to run?
Aerovironment
Each 1-Kilowatt systems averages $15,000 for all costs through instillation (assessment, turbine cost, labor, permits, instillation). A minimum of 6 Aerovironment turbines is required for purchase, which would total out to a cost of $90,000.
Skystream 3.7
$5399 (not including tower and installation materials).
Erica Mattison, Suffolk University, Campus Sustainability.
http://cleantechnica.com/2008/03/21/the-five-best-micro-wind-turbines.
7) What is the lifespan of the micro turbines?
Micro wind turbines last for an average of 20 years.
http://www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=585&pageNumber=7.
8) What are the dimensions of the turbines?
Aerovironment:
*Approx. 34” W x 36” D x 66” H (87cm x 92cm x 168cm)
Weight: 1,000 lbs (455 kg) (including internal isolation transformer)
* These are the specific dimensions of the micro wind turbines at Logan Airport.
http://www.avinc.com/downloads/MT-30_WS_Specs.pdf#search=%22turbine%20dimensions%22
Skystream 3.7
Rotor sizes of about 12 feet (3.72 m); produce about 400kw per month.
http://cleantechnica.com/2008/03/21/the-five-best-micro-wind-turbines/.
9) How much do the turbines weigh?
Aerovironment’s AVX1000 weighs 130 pounds. The Aerovironment turbines installed at Logan Airport weigh about 1000 pounds.
Southwest’s SkyStream 3.7 will weigh 170 pounds.
http://www.avinc.com/ce_product_details.asp?Prodid=115.
10) How loud are the micro turbines?
The noise produced by micro wind turbines is recorded at a level of 50 decibels. In comparison, a quiet library is recorded at 30 decibels, and a conversation at a normal noise level is 65 decibels. The subway train is louder than the turbines at a level of 95 decibels. In comparison, micro wind turbines are relatively quiet, especially in the busy city. The noise of the city drowns out the sounds of the turbines, and will not affect those living in Miller Hall.
11) What is the highest wind speed the turbines can withstand?
Skystream turbines are designed to operate in very low winds, with a minimum speed of 8 mph. Skystream turbines are typically very quiet as they work in these low winds.
12) How many computers could the micro wind turbines power?
With 5 micro turbines from Aerovironment, over 300 laptop computers being left on for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, could be powered.