U of G Hosts High School Wind Energy Competition
April 16, 2008 - News Release
It's only fitting that this year's wind energy competition at the University of Guelph will be held on April 22, national Earth Day.
WindENG is an annual event that brings together high school students from across Ontario to test out their energy-generating wind turbine designs and compete for cash prizes.
This year 200 students making up 32 teams will be visiting campus.
Judged by a panel of practicing engineers, the wind turbine designs are tested in the University's wind tunnel, and the top prize will go to the team whose windmill produces the highest average power output. Judges will also consider design functionality, creativity, environmental aspects and presentation.
The first place team will be awarded $2,000, with $1,000 going to the team that places second and $500 to the third place team.
"WindENG helps high school students to connect engineering to design, challenge, fun and important societal needs," said engineering professor Warren Stiver, who is involved in organizing the event. "It also connects socially and environmentally meaningful engineering to the type of engineering that is happening at the University of Guelph."
In addition to the competition, high schools students will also attend information sessions on university life and co-op placements. They will hear about U of G's involvement in the BioCar project and participate in interactive workshops.
A variety of displays will be set up as part of the day-long event, featuring Engineers without Borders, the Engineering Society, the Women in Science and Engineering Student Group, and Creative Encounters. There will also be displays highlighting U of G research on solar energy, wind energy, biofilters, rain water harvesting, bioproducts, and water and sanitation in Cambodia.
Students will also have the opportunity to test engineering designs in the activity room and take part in campus tours.
For more information on WindENG.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
