Current ICT Project
Investigators:
  Prof. Patrick Chapman (Primary)
Project Title:
  Wind Powered Electrical Systems: Highway Rest Areas and Weigh Stations and Team Section Buildings
Start Date: 8/1/2007
End Date: 12/31/2008
Summary of Project:
  The ICT is investigating the viability of using wind power to provide electricity for rest areas and weigh stations along Illinois highways. Wind power is an attractive option because it is a clean, renewable energy source that avoids greenhouse gases; it uses relatively little land or other natural resources; and it is a hedge against further increases in electricity costs. For each proposed wind-energy site, available wind resources (in kilowatt-hours per year) are determined. The study also determines location suitability, upfront cost of building and maintaining wind turbines, and potential cost savings from using wind turbines.
Objective of Project:
  This research is to investigate the feasibility of wind turbines as may be used in Illinois rest stops, weigh stations, and select team station buildings. The research will involve gathering wind data from available test sites and interpolating from it wind patterns for IL-DOT facilities. The next step is to match available wind turbines against this data, and to analyze their economic and educational impact.
Expected Outcome:
  The final product includes site-by-site recommendations along with an economic analysis for using wind turbines. The implementation of this project’s recommendations would reduce IDOT’s energy costs while protecting the environment.
Click here to check the status of this project.
Last Updated: 11/18/2009