2009 Energy Prize Second Runner Up
Kevin Lampe and Team for Focusing Wind Energy to Make Urban and Suburban Wind Farms
This concept suggests a roof-mounted vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) system that addresses two principal impediments to broad-scale use of wind farms – cost per unit of energy production and the unreliability of sustained optimal wind speeds.
In this proposal, VAWT systems are mounted on top of flat-roofed buildings that are fitted with four-sided "wind funnel roofs". The wind funnels direct air that flows over the top of the building onto the working side of the turbine while preventing air from flowing into the VAWT’s return path. This technique enhances the wind energy interacting with the turbine, which improves efficiency and decreases the need for large, expensive turbines. Wind deflector panels are positioned within the funnel’s main walls to ensure maximum wind capture when the wind direction is not perpendicular to one side of the funnel.
Though the system will vary in size depending on the roof dimensions, it will be considerably smaller than systems typically used in wind farms, allowing for easier production and installation. By installing the systems on preexisting rooftops, the technology places electric production close to areas of greatest use, reduces the need for utilization of undisturbed land, alleviates issues of aesthetics and allows for concurrent installation of solar panel arrays.
About the Team:
This team consists of four members, all of whom reside and work in southeastern Pennsylvania. The team’s collaboration formed around a common concern for environmental sustainability and a philosophy that there should never be a question of whether or not something can be accomplished, but only the matter of how to accomplish it.
Kevin Lampe, the team leader, is an assistant professor of biotechnology. Kevin has spent most of his professional life pursuing various areas of biological research, yet continues a life-long passion for environmental science and mechanical engineering.
David Adams is a chemist and chemical engineer who works in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. His side interests include biology and other natural sciences.
Michael Schwarz is a LEED Accredited senior mechanical engineer and works for an international architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firm. Some of his expertise includes computational fluid dynamics modeling, energy simulation and sustainable design of buildings. Michael recently received Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s "40 Under 40" award.
William Brownlowe, associate professor of engineering, has twice been honored as Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. He and Kevin are collaborators on multiple National Science Foundation grants supporting advanced education in science and technology.