Wind offers power; education, too

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New wind turbine installed for Northwest State alternative energy program
The Bryan Times (OH)
August 6, 2009

ARCHBOLD — The wind is now powering education, at least in Archbold. Stark’s Inc. finished installation of a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine for Northwest State Community College Tuesday. The installation was completed during a tower raising ceremony at the Archbold campus. Numerous government officials and members of the public joined staff from Northwest State and Stark’s Inc. for the ceremony.

The Skystream 3.7, which is mounted on a 45-foot monopole tower, is designed for residential and small commercial applications. It connects directly into the power grid and produces electricity when wind speeds are at least eight miles per hour. The wind turbine will provide a portion of the power needs for Northwest State, but its primary function will be as an educational tool for the college’s new alternative energy courses.

“The demand for alternative energy-related jobs is projected to grow significantly over the next 10 years, especially in Ohio” said Dan Burklo, dean of Engineering Technologies. “There will be jobs in the alternative energy design and service industries, it is our job to get a trained work force ready to fill the needs of this industry.”

In addition to the installed wind turbine, the classes also have access to a cutaway model turbine. The model is full-size, but is mounted to a three-foot stand, which puts the equipment at eye level. A cutaway on the side allows the inner workings of the turbine to be visible to students.

“We are fortunate to have a forward-thinking educational institution like Northwest State in our area,” said Shawn Stark, Stark’s Inc. president. “It’s exciting to be a part of a project that will not only raise awareness about alternative energy, but also help prepare the future workforce for this field.”