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Wind energy comes to Hastings High
You may have seen it while driving past Hastings High. There's a brand new wind turbine next to the new science wing.
Wind energy is a growing industry in Nebraska. "Nebraska's really prime for wind energy," said Trent Kelly, Director of Technology, Hastings Public Schools. The state has 11 operating wind farms and two pending farm projects. "Just driving down the interstate, you're passing a lot more of the blades going out to the wind farms," said Jim Fielder, Physics Teacher, Hastings High. When the University of Nebraska at Lincoln pitched implanting one at Hastings High, the school jumped on it. "This is something unique, so it's a cool opportunity," said Fielder. The turbine can generate up to 2 kilowatts of power. Just about enough to power a microwave. "But, you have to have battery storage to do that. So, probably not going to run anything in the science wing," said Kelly. The wind turbine is not up and running yet, but in a short time it will serve as an educational tool for physics students at Hastings High School. "Anytime we can make a real world application of what we're talking about is great," said Fielder. Physics teacher, Jim Fielder said the small turbine will apply seamlessly into the energy unit in class. "We could look outside and say there's a constant, steady, 25 MPH wind, and it's turning at this rate and producing this much energy. Upscale that to a wind farm and make some analysis. Well this could supply the city with this much power," said Fielder. The mini wind farm will get students out of their desks to make real world applications right outside the school. "We'd like to show students about different energy sources that are available out there. The lesson goes beyond physics, helping students recognize future potential. I think it just shows jobs of the future that may be in Nebraska," said Kelly. The school received a $5,000 grant from the state to install the turbine. That paid for a majority of the cost. |
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