The members of our team are passionate about two things: engineering and renewable energy. All of us share a desire to use engineering principles to make the world a better place. Participating in this competition is an opportunity to do just that.

What is your vision for a renewable energy future?

Here, in Utah, we are surrounded by towering mountains and green vegetation that are increasingly threatened by the effects of change. Our vision is to create a future in which people and the planet are protected. This vision requires renewable energy technologies, which our team of engineers hopes to create.

Describe your project, objectives, and game plan.

For this competition, we hope to build a functional wind turbine, learn wind farm optimization techniques, and share our enthusiasm for wind energy with others. We plan to use the previous BYU CWC teams’ designs to improve our overall scores and increase our engineering knowledge.

Two rows of students standing on sidewalk surrounded by buildings.

The BYU Collegiate Wind Competition Team includes (from left to right) in the back row: Garrett MacKay, Jacob Child, Bryce Richard, Kevin Steele, Bryce Dickey, Adam Welker, Hunter Pitchford, Jake Sweet, and Jacob Numbers; and in the front row: Zeke Jensen, Dane Baker, Cody Arvonen, Crewse Petersen, Amanda Dame, Katie Price, Christina Thorley, Carson Townsend, and Ariel Cable.

Photo courtesy of the BYU CWC Team, Brigham Young University

Who has your team connected with in the wind power industry? What lessons have you learned from them, and how can your team apply those lessons to the competition?

Our team has connected with industry members from across the United States and even from as far away as Denmark. Their perspectives have helped us understand that wind energy is not a perfect solution, but it still has the potential to decrease overall carbon emissions. This potential is not accepted by all, which motivates us to promote renewable energy by connecting with the public and sharing important truths with elementary and college students alike.

If you had to choose a catchy slogan for your team, what would it be and why?

Our chosen slogan is: “Harnessing the power of God’s creation.” At BYU, we have a unique opportunity.

of being surrounded by people of faith. We see God manifest in nature, and we see Him in science. Feeling the wind on our faces is a reminder both that He is there and that we have the power as engineers to utilize a piece of nature to bring renewable energy to the world.

This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team. Find more information on CWC 2023.