University of Wind TERPines Team
Team Name:
University of Wind TERPines Team
University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
Why this competition?
The University of Maryland Wind TERPines are excited to bring their passion for engineering and renewable energy to the U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition.
The competition provides a valuable opportunity to dive into the design process beyond the classroom, gain valuable experience and connections with the wind industry, and contribute to sustainable energy initiatives.
Game Plan
Building off momentum from last year’s second-place finish, the team identified several key areas for improvement within their three subteams: turbine design, project development, and the newest addition, connection creation.
The University of Maryland Wind TERPines
The turbine design subteam’s first goal is to finish building the 2020 turbine design, which was cut short last year by the coronavirus pandemic. They are focusing on distributing a virtual manufacturing plan and establishing safety procedures for team workspaces. Project development is dedicating time to mastering the Continuum software and learning to create cashflow analyses, as well as working closely with more business, geology, and civil engineering students. The new connection creation subteam will organize outreach events for the wind industry at large, as well as students in the campus community and nearby middle and high schools.
Team Strengths
The Wind TERPines team draws its strength from the variety and well-roundedness of its members. All grade levels and nearly all fields of engineering are represented, as well as plenty of non-engineering majors that lend important perspectives to business- or finance-oriented aspects of the project. This broad array of members also brings with them a variety of technical skills beyond those taught in the classroom, such as construction involving composite materials and carbon fiber, and lab skills like soldering and CAD/3D printing.
Team Hurdles
As expected, the coronavirus pandemic presents a significant challenge for the team’s workflow. Progress is slowed by the fact that team members are participating remotely, so nearly all the work must be completed online or independently. Restrictions on access to workspaces—and the uncertainty that goes with it—is a particular challenge for the turbine design subteam.
Bringing in and retaining new members is also much more difficult right now, since even veteran team members are uncertain of what new members’ work will look like.
Competition Objectives
Beyond a first-place finish, this year’s goals mainly center on strengthening the inner workings of the team, the connections between team members, and with industry as well.
Follow Us
Facebook: @TERPinesUMD | @UnivofMaryland
Twitter: @TERPinesUMD | @UofMaryland
Instagram: @TERPinesUMD | @univofmaryland
LinkedIn: @TERPinesUMD | @university-of-maryland
This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team.