Student examines wind energy and high-rise design
Friday, January 28, 2011
As a child, Jacob Stockton loved taking things apart. As he grew older, he found it equally enjoyable to put things together. At the age of 12, he says he discovered his passion was rooted in science and engineering.
Stockton is a senior at Oklahoma State University, studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. Under the mentorship of Professor Jamey Jacob, Stockton is conducting research in the area of wind energy. Specifically, he’s examining integrated energy-neutral designs that fuse wind energy generation with a high-rise building’s structural and architectural form.
“Over the past couple of years, it has become uncompromisingly clear on a global scale that the world’s affliction for economical, sustainable energy is one to be taken seriously,” Stockton says.
While the use of wind energy is growing – Oklahoma added more than 1,030 megawatts of wind power from 2003 to 2010, according to the state’s Wind Power Initiative – Stockton says much of that energy is lost in transport. “Unlike fossil fuels, it is largely necessary for renewable energy to be extracted very close to the source of consumption,” he says.
Stockton’s current project is based on a unique design concept developed by renowned architect and OSU alum Rand Elliott. The concept integrates wind power with a high rise building – a design that can easily be applied to an urban area such as Oklahoma City. The turbines would be energized by wind from any direction; flush doors would actuate maximum efficiency.
Stockton received a Niblack Research Scholarship last fall to pursue his project. He has been selected to present his results this spring at Oklahoma Research Day at the Capitol.
“American culture isn’t going to change overnight, but the government plays a major role in shaping what our future will look like,” Stockton says. “I’m excited to share my passion for this project with our legislators.”
Stockton’s mentor, Professor Jamey Jacob, says Stockton exemplifies what a great student can do given the opportunity provided by the Niblack program. “Jacob’s efforts on integrated wind power systems have resulted in novel magnetic bearing concepts that are being tested in the OSU wind tunnel. His enthusiasm and keen intellect are currently driving the project and I expect great things to come from his work.”
Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, Stockton plans to pursue a master’s in applied mechanics and design. He plans to work in the development of renewable energy or conservation of energy in mechanical systems.