The North American Wind Research and Training Center provides state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to both research and the training of technicians. The Wind Center’s General Electric 1.5 megawatt wind turbine ESS wind turbine—located on-campus—provides unique benefits for students and researchers alike.
The 26,000 square-foot Wind Center has a component maintenance bay with pull-through capabilities for delivery of wind turbine blades and/or components. The Wind Center also contains electrical and electromechanical laboratories, an eighty-seat lecture hall, three traditional classrooms with multimedia capabilities, conference room, student lounge, and faculty office space.
The Wind Center was designed with the goals of energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Energy-specific features of the Center include environmentally appropriate landscaping and generous natural lighting provided by strategically placed windows and skylights. The Center’s wind turbine provides power directly to the facility and excess production provides the Center with a revenue stream. The College is currently seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification in order to certify the facility as a “green building.”
