Heating Using Small-Scale Wind Power

The contribution of wind energy to the nations energy portfolio is limited despite an increased interest in renewable energy by both individual consumers and governments. At the same time, the prices for fossil fuel energy sources used in heating are rising at an increasing rate. This research supports the development of a system that uses energy from wind to supply heat to individual buildings. It incorporates a combination of features that make it usable by a larger number of consumers than traditional wind systems, satisfying a fundamental need for inexpensive, clean energy. The Phase I research will determine whether the proposed system can achieve the energy conversion required in a package that is economically and aesthetically acceptable to the target consumer. Building and testing full-scale prototypes under field conditions typical of the target market will demonstrate the concepts technical feasibility. Our goal is a product that is attractive in cost, function and appearance for outbuildings and homes, especially in rural areas. Users of the product will lower their energy expense and also reduce fossil fuel demand and emissions in their communities.