For those who thought solar panels were reserved for sci-fi movies and tropic rooftops, think again. Portions of NYU may be powered by solar and wind energy sooner than you think.
David Holland, associate professor of mathematics at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, is currently working on an experiment in which he will measure solar and wind energy generated on an NYU rooftop at 244 Greene St. As one of 15 recipients of the Sustainability Fund Grants from NYU's Sustainability Task Force, Holland is receiving $20,000 to fund part of his research.
"I doubt you will be able to produce enough [energy] for all of NYU," Holland said, pointing out that the university uses a large amount of electricity when elevators, air conditioning and other appliances that require energy on campus are factored into the equation. Rather, he said, the question is whether we can produce "enough energy to matter."
The solar photovoltaic generator system and wind turbines on the roof generate energy that will be stored in batteries. This energy will then be used to power the computer that measures the energy created from the devices and determines whether or not sustainable energy is feasible on campus, and, if so, whether solar or wind power is the better option. The project is completely self-sustainable and will most likely generate excess energy that Holland estimates to be about one kilowatt, enough to power 10 fluorescent office lights.
"It's a small project," Holland said. "It's enough to power a fully-functioning office, but it's not going to run a building."
Holland projects that in the future, solar or wind power will generate up to 20 percent of NYU's energy needs.
The experiment will test three different wind turbines and solar panels all supported on a dunnage, a support system made out of metal that places the weight of the machinery on the sides of the building as opposed to the roof. Equipment can easily be added or subtracted to the dunnage, allowing for constant testing and flexibility.
Peter Woods, the manager of 244 Greene St., has collaborated with Holland in terms of the connection between the science experiment and supervision of the building. Woods was "interested in how to generate power locally," Holland said, explaining that Woods is the reason this research has progressed.
"The nice part is that the people who run NYU buildings are interested in making them better and greener," Holland said.
In addition to measuring the power generated by the solar panels and wind turbines, the experiment will include a webcam that will stream live on a website, so viewers can see the rooftop experiment in action and view the exact weather of the city, as the project records climate as well. This information will also add to the global database on climate change and global warming. Holland has experience collecting this type of data through his research for the Center of Atmosphere-Ocean Science through Courant, which includes studying the role of polar oceans in the global climate system using similar devices in Greenland and Antarctica.
Even though the project will be completely built in February, Holland does not see an end to the project any time soon because of its flexibility and constant data collection of weather and climate.
"It's a living project," he said. "It won't ever be finished."
Tamara Gilkes is a staff writer. E-mail her at features@nyunews.com.
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