REU Site: A National REU Site in Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy

项目的广泛意义：爱荷华州立大学风能科学、工程和政策（WESEP） REU网站的主要目标是通过一个为期10周的暑期研究项目，让本科生参与高质量的研究体验，该项目专注于WESEP研究问题。认识到可再生能源对美国能源组合的长期可持续性至关重要，以及风能在新发电能力中发挥的重要作用，该项目为本科生提供了独特的研究经验，可以在塑造美国能源的未来中发挥作用。研究项目的设计是为了激励和培养学生在科学和工程方面的研究生研究。与会者离开时将更加了解和欣赏风能在实现国家可再生能源目标方面的重要性，以及可获得的有益的研究职业机会。该项目以与波多黎各的HBCUs和大学以及爱荷华州立大学的现有关系为基础，旨在扩大传统上代表性不足的群体在科学和工程领域的参与。项目描述：2012年，风能发电首次超过天然气发电，在美国新增发电容量中占比最大。然而，与其他正在增加风能在能源生产中所占比例的国家相比，美国仅排在第12位，不到总发电量的6%。该项目解决了一个关键的、长期的国家需要，即增加具有成本效益的可再生能源的可用性，这将有助于减少我们的碳足迹、水的使用，并满足未来的能源需求。WESEP研究计划包括五个研究领域：(1)风能资源特性和气动载荷；（二）风能转换系统和并网运行；(3)制造、建筑、供应链；(4)可靠性和涡轮健康监测；(5)风能的政治和政策。单个项目通常与一个或多个正在进行的ISU研究团队项目相关联，这些项目由各种机构资助，包括NSF， DOE，爱荷华州经济发展部，ISU和行业合作伙伴。由于其地理位置，风能相关学科的实力，以及与行业的持续合作，爱荷华州立大学为WESEP的跨学科教育项目提供了一个智力挑战的环境。WESEP REU项目的参与者将学习：(1)如何作为合作研究团队的一部分进行研究；（二）如何展示和发表研究成果；(3)伦理在研究中的作用；(4)风能面临的技术和政策挑战；(5)研究可能是一条有益的职业道路。致谢：本项目由美国国家科学基金会工程教育和中心部支持。

BROADER SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT:The primary objective of the Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy (WESEP) REU Site at Iowa State University is to engage undergraduate students in high quality research experiences through an intellectually stimulating 10-week summer research program that focuses on WESEP research issues. Recognizing the vital importance of renewable energy to the long term sustainability of the US energy portfolio and the substantial role that wind energy plays in new power generation capacity, this program provides a unique research experience for undergraduate students to play a role in shaping the US energy future. Research projects are designed to motivate and prepare students for graduate research in science and engineering. Participants will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance that wind energy plays in meeting national renewable goals and the rewarding research career opportunities available. The program builds on existing relationships with HBCUs and universities in Puerto Rico as well as Iowa State University programs for broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups in science and engineering.PROJECT DESCRIPTION:In 2012, for the first time, wind energy accounted for the largest portion of new generating capacity in the US, exceeding new natural gas generation capacity. However, when compared with other nations that are increasing their wind energy portion of energy production, the US ranked 12th with less than 6% of total electric generating capacity. The project addresses a critical, long-term national need to increase the availability of cost-effective renewable energy that will help reduce our carbon footprint, water usage, and meet future energy demands. The WESEP research program includes five research areas: (1) Wind energy resource characterization and aerodynamic loads; (2) Wind energy conversion systems and grid operations; (3) Manufacturing, construction, and supply chain; (4) Reliability and turbine health monitoring; and (5) Politics and policy for wind energy. Individual projects will typically be tied to one or more ongoing ISU research team projects which are funded by a variety of agencies including NSF, DOE, Iowa Department of Economic Development, ISU, and industry partners. Because of its location, strength in wind energy related disciplines, and ongoing partnerships with industry, Iowa State University provides an intellectually challenging environment for interdisciplinary educational programs in WESEP. Participants in the WESEP REU program will learn: (1) how to conduct research as part of a collaborative research team; (2) how to present and publish their findings; (3) the role of ethics in research; (4) the technical and policy challenges in wind energy; and (5) that research can be a rewarding career path.Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Division of Engineering Education and Centers at the National Science Foundation.