The Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is a prestigious nationwide competition designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. This competition challenges teams of students to design, build, and test wind energy systems while also developing strategies for project development, and community engagement. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and practical experience, the CWC plays an important role in equipping future engineers and leaders with the skills needed to drive the transition to a clean energy future, a topic that I feel very close to.
My Contributions:
In this year's competition, our team faced the challenge of designing and building a small-scale offshore wind turbine. As the lead engineer for the floating system, I took charge of developing a testing setup using a 275-gallon tote water tank, coordinating all the logistics required to bring this concept to life. This included planning, acquiring materials, filling up the tank, and ensuring the system was ready for extensive testing of multiple design iterations.
I also took on the role of Financial Manager for the team, which involved overseeing the entire budget and ensuring that all orders were tracked efficiently. I was responsible for ordering parts, monitoring expenses, and maintaining detailed records. Additionally, I prepared regular budget updates and reports for our team leads and faculty advisors, ensuring transparency and accountability. This role required strong organizational and communication skills, as I coordinated closely with various team members to prioritize purchases and allocate funds effectively.
Additionally, I gained valuable hands-on manufacturing experience by studying and reproducing the four mooring weights used in the official competition needed for the turbine's stability. Using our school's machine shop, I worked through the manufacturing process, learning practical techniques and refining my skills in machining and assembly. This project was an incredible opportunity to combine engineering principles, teamwork, and creativity to solve real-world renewable energy challenges. Some of the following pictures highlight my journey and contributions to this remarkable competition.
- Wind Tunnel Contribution
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This competition is a collaborative team effort, and one of its key objectives is designing and building a brand-new testing wind tunnel. Drawing on my experience in the machine shop, I played a crucial role in designing and fabricating the frame for the wind tunnel's main section, ensuring it met the necessary specifications for testing.
I contributed by cutting materials, refining the design, and coordinating the logistics of when and where each component would be manufactured and assembled. This process enhanced my organizational skills and taught me how to bridge theoretical concepts with hands-on, practical applications.
Being involved in the wind tunnel project has been a rewarding experience, offering both technical challenges and the chance to contribute meaningfully to our team's success in the Collegiate Wind Competition.
