AEI Wins SECO Award for Research Facility

The Alternative Energy Institute has received an award of $497,350 from the State Energy Conservation Office for the installation of renewable energy systems at the Palo Duro Research Facility and at the feed mill at the WTAMU Nance Ranch (Regional Wind Test Center).

The total project cost is around $622,000. The state provided money for renewable energy projects with funding provided through federal ARRA funds. For more information, click here.

Staff Working on the Project:

• Project Director, Dr. Byungik Chang, Director AEI
• Principal Investigator, Ken Starcher, Assistant Director AEI

The project, involving solar and wind electricity, will consist of two components:

1. Photovoltaics (PV), 48 kW for the Palo Duro Research Center.
2. Wind, 50 kW for the feed mill at the WTAMU, Nance Ranch.

The objectives is to reduce electric consumption at WTAMU through use of renewable energy, as well as providing information on performance and economics of the systems. Information on both systems will be disseminated to the public and business entities through seminars and display areas.

Systems will provide electricity for use on-site and systems also displace the production of carbon dioxide from the conventional power plants.

One proposed system will have two 4 kW tracker units, and 40 kW of fixed tilt, flat plate PV. The PV system will generate an estimated 80,000 kWh/yr.

AEI will also install a 50 kW, 49 ft diameter wind turbine, on a 120 ft tower. The system will generate an estimated 175,000 kWh/yr.

Registration is now open for West Texas A&M University’s Fall 2010 Alternative Energy Courses! Both courses will be offered online through WTAMU’s Continuing Education department. You must register with West Texas A&M University to sign up for these classes. Start Date Classes begin AUGUST 30TH, 2010. Cost College Credit Cost – Varies, depending on whether [...]

From The Amarillo Globe-News: West Texas A&M University became part of a push Monday to raise expectations for a Spanish company’s wind turbines – machines that could double the power production of today’s standard turbines. “It will be fundamental research like how to make a better blade with light, robust material, testing aerodynamics, the integrity [...]

From Alt Energy Mag, concerning WTAMU’s own Regional Wind Test Center: The Texas A&M University System and Gamesa Technology Corp. (Gamesa) announced an agreement today with the intention to install a new generation of wind turbine at West Texas A&M University, coordinated jointly by the Energy Engineering Institute and the Alternative Energy Institute of the [...]

From the Amarillo Globe-News: Cross Texas Transmission says the statistics are convincing and is asking the state Public Utility Commission what it thinks about the company’s preferred route for the first transmission line in the Panhandle solely devoted to moving wind energy. Cross Texas applied Monday for permission to build the segment from a substation [...]

This is kind of an odd alternative energy story, but we thought you might enjoy it. From National Public Radio: Solar panels are a hot commodity, and not just for residents and businesses that want to go green. It turns out that thieves also embrace clean technology. Solar panel thefts are on the rise, and [...]

ONLINE, Spring 2010 For Credit, must be admitted to WTAMU Undergraduate: ET 4395-70, Research/Problems Graduate: ET 6392-70, Seminar/Engin Tech Continuing Education, ENRGY 1000-01, 4.5 CEU units, Cost $720 Enroll through Continuing Education,  Dec 16 – Jan 20 or call 806-651-2037 How to Register and Pay (THROUGH CONTINUING EDUCATION) Under Topic Code, select ENRGY Renewable Energy, [...]

AEI is looking for an Alternative Energy research technician. An associate in tech required, but a BS is preferred. A criminal history report will be obtained on position finalists. WTAMU is an EO/AA employer. Applicants must be registered with selective service to apply. Applicant should apply online and attach resumes, references, etc., to the online [...]

Texas A&M’s AgriLife has a great write-up our own Dr. Vaughn Nelson and the future of Wind Energy… Texas farmers and ranchers likely will see more opportunities come about in the future when it comes to wind energy, according to a Texas A&M System expert. Dr. Vaughn Nelson, professor emeritus and director of the Alternative [...]

AEI appreciates the donation of $1,000 by The Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) to the Starcher-Nelson Renewable Energy Scholarship. TXSES in a non-profit with a long history of solar energy and renewable energy outreach education. Founded in 1976, TXSES has been serving Texas for more than 30 years, and has developed a national reputation due [...]