Who: Quinnipiac University and Centerbrook Architects

What: Installed 25 Windspires to create first university micro-wind farm in the United States

Where: Quinnipiac University York Hill Campus – Hamden, Connecticut

When: October 2009

Why: The installation of the Windspires was part of Quinnipiac’s larger “Sustainability Strategy,” that includes a focus on indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, energy and green power, water efficiency, biodiversity, and educations and environmental awareness.

The Windspires will power more than 50 percent of the exterior site lights on the 250-acre campus. Using extension poles of varying heights, the traditionally 30-foot tall Windspire wind turbines vary in height from 35 to 45 feet, providing an effect akin to a kinetic sculpture garden rather than intrusive infrastructure. The “wind terrace” creates a destination for students to take in panoramic views of Long Island Sound to the south and rolling hills to the north.

Video/Testimonial – Quinnipiac Staff, Architecture firm

“Quinnipiac University is committed to building one of the most environmentally friendly campuses in the country,” said John L. Lahey, president of Quinnipiac University. “Our York Hill Campus reflects our ongoing commitment to using renewable energy sources and educating our students about the importance of environmental issues.”

“We have designed many state of the art initiatives on this new seminal ‘green’ campus for Quinnipiac University, but the wind turbine terrace will be the most prominent and exciting statement about the University’s commitment to sustainable practices,” said Centerbrook Partner Jeff Riley. “The technology and vertical axis design of the Windspire allowed us to place wind power right in the center of campus.”
Riley added, “the unique grouping of Windspires will serve not only as a visible symbol of sustainability, but also as an intriguing kinetic sculpture beneath which students will be able to sit and take in the panoramic views of the Connecticut hills. It’s one of a kind.”

Photo Gallery – pictures from Quinnipiac

Who: Conway Welcome Center, Southwest Missouri

What: A former rest stop has been transformed into a Welcome Center with a theme dedicated to the nearby Route 66 and the bygone days of the famous interstate. Mixed into the theme of yesteryears is a very modern feature, a Windspire vertical axis wind turbines providing power to the center.

Where: Interstate 44, Conway, Missouri

When: May 2009

Why: Public display of green technology, symbol of modernization

The welcome center features considerable green technology, on top of the Windspire wind turbines– automatic sinks and toilets in the restrooms to conserve water, a ground source heat pump system for heating and air conditioning and a modern wastewater treatment plant.

Photos

Where: 704 26^th St. NE, Washington, DC, 20002

When: July 2009

What: Two Windspire wind turbines with 20’ extensions.

Why: This vocational high school located in Washington D.C. purchased two Windspires to help teach wind power curriculum to its students.

What: Across the Cambridge and Boston sides of the roof are nine total wind turbines which include five different brands of wind turbines of varying size and power capacity. The Windspire wind turbine is the only vertical axis wind generator participating in the Wind Turbine Lab. Visitors to the Museum are able to view the energy output from the turbines and learn more about wind power at a special exhibit.

Where: Museum of Science, Boston

When: May 2009

Why: Museum exhibit, science teaching opportunity, community awareness

Video/Testimonial – “This is a giant science experiment,” said David Rabkin, Farinon Director for Current Science and Technology at the Museum. “No one has tested five different small turbines in a rooftop laboratory.”

Who: Hunt Vineyards

What: Installed one Windspire

Where: Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport, New York

Why: The Hunt family is now using renewable energy to provide power to its winery operations. A thirty-foot tall Windspire wind turbine spins silently in the middle of the farm. Compliment sustainability program, provide clean power and attract customers

When: Summer 2009

Video/Testimonial:

“It is so quiet that one needs to stand next to it to hear any sound at all,” said Vineyard owner, Art Hunt. “The Windspire is already attracting a lot of attention, which is great for our business.”

Website: www.huntwines.com (link to www.huntwines.com)

Two residents in this neighborhood have recently installed twin Windspire generators on their property to take advantage of this abundant alternative energy source.

Who: The Sousa family

What: Twin Windspire wind turbines

Where: 1 acre residences in Spanish Springs, Nevada

Why: Sousa was convinced to get his Windspire wind turbines after seeing his next-door neighbor’s spinning in the breeze. Sousa and his neighbors are each expecting to save more than 50% off their energy bills with clean and renewable energy.

Tax Credit: Applied for 30% federal tax credit for small wind appliances

Local Rebates: $3000 rebate for each Windspire from the NV Energy WindGeneration Program

Testimonial: “I used to hate the wind when I lived in California,” said Lou Sousa, proud new owner of two Windspire wind turbines. “Now I wake up every day and think- I hope it’s windy today!”

Who: The Howell Family

What: Two Windspires

Where: Pleasant Valley, Nevada

When: September 2009

Why: The Howells decided to take advantage of the robust wind resource in their neighborhood by installing twin Windspires. They believe in tapping into renewable energy resources to help future generations including their grandchildren. Their neighbors have also installed the vertical wind turbines, making six total Windspires in this gusty Washoe Valley neighborhood.

Video:

Who: Studio 804 is a design/build program at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

What: Over the course of an intense five month semester, students design and build an affordable building during which students explore and develop architectural solutions which promote efficiency, sustainability, and creative use of materials. This includes everything from initial design to finished construction and documentation. The end goal: prepare students for their future work as young architects in a rapidly changing and challenging profession.

Why: Provide alternative energy learning opportunity and energy for design/build project

When: In 2008, the Studio 804 project was the first building in Kansas to receive LEED Platinum certification, and the students involved in the 2009 building also aspired to LEED Platinum certification with the construction of a sustainable residence in Kansas City. The residence was designed to maximize energy efficiency so that its occupants could live off-the-grid. Incorporated into the design of the home is a Windspire wind turbine. Due to height restrictions, Studio 804 installed a shorter version of the innovative vertical axis rotor, so that the whole unit stands only 23 feet tall.

Where: Kansas City, Kansas

website: www.studio804.com

Who: Warren Consolidated Schools

Where: Macomb County, Michigan

Why: Students from the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center and the Career Preparation Center in Warren, Michigan enjoyed working together to install a Windspire at a K-12 public school. The students were involved in all components of the installation, from design to implementation, including: digging the 2’ x 6’ hole for the foundation, pouring the concrete foundation, assembling the components of the Windspire, and learning how to connect it to the electric grid.

When: The Windspire was installed March, 2009

Video/Testimonial: “The Windspire wind turbine has really enlightened and opened up the minds of our students and given them an opportunity to better understand the challenge that wind energy has in solving our reliance on fossil fuels,” said David Walsh, Administrative Consultant for Special Programs for Warren Consolidated Schools and the lead administrator for renewable energy programs across the school district. “This program has provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to do real research on real environmental issues.”

Website: http://www.wcs.k12.mi.us/REI/index.htm

What: A Windspire wind turbine is now powering the first Eco Express Car Wash in Oklahoma, an eco-friendly car wash that promises to have a smaller environmental impact than traditional car washes. The Windspire was installed to provide clean energy to the car wash.

In addition to creating their own alternative energy with the Windspire, Eco Express Car Wash uses environmentally friendly chemicals and reclaimed water to wash cars. Solar panels will also be installed at the Oklahoma City car wash, the first of many Eco Express Car Wash locations planned throughout Oklahoma.

Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

When: July 2009

Why: Generate alternative energy and interest for a small business

Testimonial: Eco Express Wash co-owners, Garland Bell and Brad Peak, also expect the 30-foot tall vertical design of the Windspire wind turbine to attract people to their new business venture. “We think the unique design of the Windspire spinning out front is going to make people notice our new car wash,” said Bell. “It’s going to generate electricity and business for us.”