'Green' Changes In The Wind At University
26 April 2010
One of the nine South Tower wind turbines in action.
Ian Willgoose, University Director of Estates.
Nine wind turbines go up on the South Tower at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site, one of three 'green' energy projects which have cost a total of £266,442.
Environmental changes at the University of Derby mean 31,854 kilowatt hours of its energy needs are to be generated through 'green' means - that's enough power to boil 31,000 kettles or run 91 laptops all day, every day, for a year.
The University has invested a total of £266,442 in three environmental energy projects capable of generating the 31,854 kilowatt hours (kWh). A kilowatt hour is defined as the work that can be done by 1,000 watts of electrical power in one hour.
A 200 square metre area on the roof of the Administration Block at its main Kedleston Road site, in Derby, has been covered with photovoltaic panels. These use solar energy to make electricity and alone are expected to generate up to 19,420 kWh.
Nine wind turbines have also been fitted to the top of the South Tower. Each of the AVX 1000 model Architectural perimeter roof edge wind turbines is 8.5feet tall, has a 5.5 ft diameter five-blade rotor and together they can generate a combined 9,387 kWh of electrical power.
A third green energy source - a 65 foot tall Quiet Revolution model wind turbine - will be built next to the Kedleston Road site's main driveway over the summer. It will be able to generate 3,047kwh of power.
The total amount of green energy generated by the three projects will reduce the University's carbon dioxide emissions (linked to global warming) by 18 tonnes - that would fill three and a half hot air balloons, or 89 double-decker buses.It will also mean the University having to buy less electricity from national suppliers.
Both wind turbine projects received planning permission after full details, and noise surveys, were submitted to Derby City Council to prove there would be no disruption caused to local residents.
The three green energy projects follow a two-year, £13.5m refenestration and re-cladding of the three 1960s-built towers at the Kedleston Road site. This has markedly improved their heat and energy efficiency, and also reduced the amount of carbon emissions they produce.
Ian Willgoose, Director of Estates at the University of Derby, said: "Our considerable investment in the towers' refenestration, and the new photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, can only enhance the excellent reputation we already have on environmental matters.
"For the last three years we've been in the top 25 of the Times Higher Education Supplement's annual 'People and Planet League' rankings of higher education institutions. We have also won accolades through the national EcoCampus and Green Gown awards schemes."
