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Print Edition StoriesWednesday, May 27, 2009
Museum of Science launches roof-top wind turbine lab
By Efrain Viscarolasaga
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In partnership with the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, the Museum of Science, Boston reports it will install the nation’s first museum-based rooftop Wind Turbine Lab this summer.
The lab will become the centerpiece of the museum’s new Catching the Wind exhibit, which is expected to be a functional teaching exhibit for museum patrons, as well as a demonstration and research site for government officials and renewable energy professionals.
The $300,000 lab and exhibit are expected to eventually display nine wind turbines of five different types, two of which have already been erected on the Cambridge side of the museum’s roof. The largest of the five types is 40 feet tall, while the smallest will stand approximately 7 feet. The turbine blades will range from 5 feet to 18 feet in length.
The project is not designed to produce large amounts of electricity, and officials are unsure of the precise output of the turbines, but officials estimate the nine turbines running simultaneously could generate enough electricity to power two or three suburban homes, far less than the museum’s requirements.
According to officials, the museum initially explored wind turbines as a way of generating clean power for the exhibit, but a year-long study showed the site to have limited wind resources and to pose engineering and permitting challenges. As a result, the Museum and the Renewable Energy Trust refocused the project on generating as much practically useful information and experience as possible.
The museum will share all of its findings through interactive displays, programs, a website and other outreach media to the public, including the companies whose innovative technologies are being tested.
Manufacturers contributing turbines to the exhibit include Mariah Power Inc. of Nevada; Southwest Wind Power of Arizona; Cascade Engineering Inc. of Michigan; AeroVironment, Inc. of California; and Proven Energy of Scotland.
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