Against the Wind. Jim Tilley
the plan. But the aquarium’s narrow. If I’m not careful, I cause reflections from the sides.”
“It looks entirely effective for a homemade wave tank. But better for simulating ocean waves than what you’d find on Lake Ontario.”
Dieter continues asking questions as if he’s a judge at the science fair.
“How many pylons will you need to anchor each turbine?”
“I’ve been thinking of three. With a level lake bottom, windless surface conditions, and no current, the turbine would essentially float at the center of an equilateral triangle with the pylons at the vertices.” Jules, listening to himself, realizing that this is turning into a trial run for the science fair, is pleased with how academic-sounding his answers are.
“Have you considered configurations of more than three?”
“I’m testing a cluster of six turbines arranged in a hexagon within a cluster of six pylons arranged in a larger hexagon rotated sixty degrees, allowing me to replicate the triangular structure after I add a central pylon.”
“Economical,” said Dieter.
“That’s the point,” said Jules. “Each of the outer pylons will tether two turbines and the central pylon will tether all six turbines. Seven pylons in all for six turbines. The turbines will be linked to each other to maintain an approximate hexagonal configuration depending on the force of the waves. Let me show you.” Jules takes a piece of paper and sketches a diagram that looks like a six-pointed Sheriff’s badge.
“I don’t think anyone has considered that configuration,” said Dieter. “I wonder if the requirement that the turbines be spaced sufficiently far apart to operate efficiently will frustrate the design.”
“I hope not. Trouble is, my tank is way too narrow to test it properly.”
Lynn joins them in the studio. “Dinner’s ready. I wonder what’s holding up Ralph.”
“Probably traveling around the county scouting out the wind farm sites. That would be like him. Maybe we should go ahead without him.”
“What do you think of Jules’ project?”
“Amazing. He’s studying many of the same types of effect we test in our commercial facility. Do you mind if we spend a little more time together?”
“Not at all. I’ll finish up in the kitchen.”
Turning back to Jules, Dieter asks, “What kind of topside turbine are you going to exhibit?”
“Eggbeater.”
“Vertical or horizontal axis?”
“Both, but I’m leaning toward horizontal— Lower center of gravity, more stable.”
“True, but wind speed tends to be higher the higher above the surface of the water you go. And steadier too.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Vertical-axis turbines can be located closer together. That might render your six-cluster structure feasible.”
“I guess I’ll have to consider them more seriously.”
“Do you have a prototype of the eggbeater?”
“At school. My physics teacher asked to see it.”
Both of them standing side by side looking at the tank, Dieter puts his hand on Jules’ shoulder. “This is great work. I wonder if you’d like to visit our research center in Germany. Best in the world.”
“Are you kidding! Germany? That’d be awesome— But I don’t think my mother would go for it.”
“Why not?”
“We watch our expenses carefully— And I have school.”
“I don’t mean right away. How about your summer break? We have an internship program and a few scholarships.”
“How would I apply?”
“I can have the forms sent to you. The scholarship would cover your travel and living expenses.”
“Do all the interns plan to study engineering?”
“Most will be college students already enrolled in engineering programs. I hear you’re thinking of University of Toronto.”
“McGill too. I’m going there this weekend.”
“I was an undergrad at Toronto and a grad student at McGill. They’re both great schools.”
“I’ve read that McGill is better for mechanical engineering.”
“It’s a toss-up. Have you visited Toronto yet?”
“After the science fair.”
“I can help arrange your visit— I still know many of the professors.”
“That’d be fantastic.”
“Let’s ask your mother about a summer stay in Germany before you start college. The monthlong program starts sometime after mid-July. You’d probably want to arrive a week early. Would that fit with your plans?”
“We have no plans yet for the summer.”
Lynn is setting out the cheese and crackers in the living room. Through the picture window she sees Ralph pull into the driveway and opens the door to welcome him. Dieter and Jules follow.
“That’s special—a welcoming party!” says Ralph as he gets out of the car. “You make a nice family.” He hands Lynn a bottle of wine.
Ignoring Ralph’s comment, she says, “I was beginning to wonder whether you got lost in the wilds of Prince Edward County.”
“Out there enjoying the countryside.”
“Dieter thought we should go ahead without you.”
“Typical,” says Ralph. “I guess nothing’s changed.”
Lynn gives Ralph a pained look. Jules recognizes it as the one she uses on him when she wants him to shut up. “Jules, this is Mr. Mackenzie, an old school friend.”
“You’ve already told me all about him, Mum.”
“Only good things I hope,” says Ralph.
“Mostly,” Lynn says, laughing. “Jules has been showing Dieter his science fair project. Maybe he can give you a quick tour.”
Jules waits until his mother returns from the kitchen, three empty wine glasses in one hand and an opened bottle of wine in the other, before springing the question. “Dr. Graber has invited me to Germany for a one-month summer internship at his company’s research center. Can I go?”
Ralph winces. Lynn juggles the wine glasses. “Dieter, do you usually take on high school students?”
“Generally college students. Engineering majors. But every year we admit a few incoming freshmen.”
“It’s a generous offer, but I don’t think we can afford it on my teacher’s salary.”
“Dr. Graber’s company can provide a scholarship.”
“Without his having to apply?”
“He’d have to apply, but I can see from what he’s accomplished on his project that he’s already doing work as advanced as many of our recent interns.”
“That’s kind, but Jules doesn’t speak a word of German.”
“Everybody at our company speaks English. It’s a requirement for employment. He’ll quickly pick up the essential German.”
“Jules, we’ll talk about it later. Why don’t you show Ralph your project and tell him about school while Dieter and I set the table?”