Lake Erie has great potential for wind energy. A large wind farm in the lake would have many advantages: away from residential areas, occupying no land, near utility infrastructures and major consumers in Northeast Ohio. However, it also would face a number of challenges such as cost, finance and technology.
One of the main technical challenges is to find an economical solution to the ice load that will act on the foundations. At Case Western Reserve University, research funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) is being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a new type of foundation that can support the ice load while keeping the cost low.
At the next Science Cafe Cleveland, David Zeng, the Frank H. Neff Professor and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, will present “Breaking Ice for Wind Energy in Lake Erie.”
The café will take place Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Tasting Room at Great Lakes Brewing Co. (2701 Carroll Ave., Cleveland).
The Tasting Room will offer a limited menu. Those interested in attending are advised to arrive early, as some cafes have reached capacity. A chairlift is available by request.
The Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and Great Lakes Brewing Company sponsor Science Café Cleveland.
More information is available at case.edu/affil/sigmaxi/.