Two 100 kW direct-drive turbines now work in the Wynford School District.
Ohio’s Wynford School District recently celebrated the start of its wind power era with two Northwind 100 kW turbines mounted at 37-m hub heights. These will produce about 30% of the electricity needs for the high school and elementary building. Each is expected to produce about 175,000 kWh.
“We have to do a better job preparing students for the technology of the future and that starts right here in Wynford,” says state Rep. Jeff McClain. The turbines, supplied by NexGen Energy Partners, will be part of an alternative energy program in the district schools.
Wynford does not own the wind turbines and will not service them. Instead, it hosts the machines on its property. Superintendent Steve Mohr says the 10-year agreement between Wynford and NexGen will save the district thousands of dollars. The district paid $9,500 for a site fee, money that will be credited back to the district during contract years six through ten, says Mohr. The turbines have about a 20-year life span.
Mohr said the school has received one electricity bill since the installation but saving will come later. Although electricity fees have risen about 5%/year, the school rates will rise only 3.5%/year for the 30% of the school’s energy purchased through NexGen.
Wynford Schools
http://tinyurl.com/wynfordturbines
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