DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A new wind turbine donated to the University of Dayton Research Institute will power renewable energy research. The 6 kW $25,000 gift came from Tipp City based company OGW Energy Resources and will be installed at UDRI’s new Energy Experience Center.
Several alternative-energy sources, including wind turbines, solar panels and a portable generator, help supply power to the Energy Experience Center with a self-contained microgrid.
Eric Lang, UDRI Senior Research Engineer said, “I think we’re well-positioned for kind of a revolution for how energy’s delivered and used, especially electric energy. And this center wants to play a key role in that.”
The Energy Experience Center said consumer demand for more affordable and environmentally friendly energy is rapidly increasing, and eventually more Americans could be powering their homes and businesses with similar technology.
Mike Flora, the vice president of technical sales at OGW Energy Resources, also noted increased demand for renewable energy. He said the company hopes the donated turbine will help support industry research and train a future workforce.
“It’s good to sit in a classroom and learn theory,” Flora said. “But to get out and get hands on training, see what the product is, feel it, put it together (is better).”
The EEC plans to attach a motor to the donated wind turbine, so researchers can run critical experiments reliably during unpredictable weather. It will be used in research, development and teaching related to advanced electrical power conversion technology.
