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Appalachian Energy Center Workshop Series Greens Up the Environment with Distributed Wind Energy Workshop

By Erika Giovanetti

May 28, 2013. Learn all about using wind as a sustainable form of energy in the Distributed Wind Energy Workshop, held at Katherine Harper Hall on ASU’s campus. The workshop, held Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is taught by ASU graduate, Brent Summerville.

Summerville repairs the Whisper 500 on Beech Mountain
Summerville repairs the Whisper 500 on Beech Mountain

Summerville is a licensed professional engineer with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from N.C. State University and a master’s in appropriate technology from ASU. He managed the ASU Small Wind Research & Demonstration Site on Beech Mountain, which gave him firsthand experience with small wind turbines. He is now the president of his own company, Summerville Wind & Sun, Inc., and he serves as the technical director of the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC).

Distributed wind energy provides a clean and renewable source of electricity that provides jobs and contributes energy used to power homes, schools, farms, and other private and public facilities.

“Workshop participants will learn about choosing a good site for a distributed wind project, case studies of successful projects, opportunities in the region for distributed wind, technical aspects of the technology and a guide to choosing a turbine,” according to the Appalachian Energy Center’s website.

During the workshop, the group will visit the Broyhill Wind Turbine, a 100 kW Northwind 100 on ASU’s campus.

Participants will earn a Certificate of Completion and 5 Learning Units, which are continuing education credits recognized by the American Institute of Architects.

The workshop costs $160 for ASU students and $200 for all others. Lunch will be provided. To register for the Distributed Wind Energy Workshop, click here

“Get out there with real people and get your hands dirty,” said Summerville in an interview with Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.

For more information, visit ASU’s Energy Center website here.