About the Coastal Wind Resource Assessment  |  Waties Island, SC  |  Education  |  Wind Resources  |  Publications | Links

Clemson University Restoration Institute at North Charleston, SC - Wind Power Project

Wind power is a clean, indigenous energy resource that can help diversify our nation's future energy needs. Wind energy is a nearly zero emission indigenous energy resource that provides reliable, low cost energy. South Carolina 's wind resources lie along the coast, in the mountains of the upstate and the waters off its coast line.

Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity.

The terms wind energy or wind power describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

The NRG - NOW 50 meter (167 foot) Heavy Duty Mobile Symphonie anemometer tower is equipped with three anemometers located at 30, 40 and 50 meters that will measure wind speed. A temperature gauge, a wind direction vane, solar sensor, pressure gauge and humidity sensor will collect additional weather data for the assessment. All the sensors are connected to a real time data logger that will transmit the real time data from via remote communications modules to Clemson University and then be made available to the public through the internet. All instruments are being powered by a solar array. Data will be collected over a one year period and be used to develop a cost benefit model for wind power generation at Clemson University 's Restoration Institute. This anemometer station serves as the first phase of the project with installation of a wind turbine at this site as the second phase. The proposed turbine will provide clean power to the Restoration Institute as well as support future research in clean, indigenous energy resources.

Clemson University Press Release - First Wind Monitoring Station Goes Up: Second Station Announced For North Charleston

Clemson University Restoration Institute Wind Study Project - Tower Installation Photo Gallery