Field Study on the Aesthetics of Small Wind Machines: A Preliminary Report
A field study was conducted at the Rocky Flats Small Wind Systems Test Center to determine if aesthetic preferences exist for particular designs of small wind machines, and to gather data on the importance of aesthetics relative to other wind system issues. Participants on public tours of the Test Center were asked to answer several general questions and to rate the visual appearance of various working parts (rotor and nacelle), towers, and complete machines. Working parts included vertical- and horizontal-axis designs (both upwind and downwind), while towers included wood, concrete and steel columns, and various truss designs. In spite of a relatively small sample size (N = 139), the results indicate definite preferences for particular designs, with downwind horizontal-axis working parts and columnar towers receiving the highest ratings.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 5597202
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TP-743-621
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Wind energy conference, Boulder, CO, USA, 9 Apr 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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