JCC explores wind power with measurement device
Jackson Community College is taking its first step toward developing new alternative energy sources with the installation of an anemometer – a device for measuring wind velocity – on the south side of campus off Kimmel Road.
The College received the device from the Michigan Anemometer Loan Program administered by Michigan State University. It measures airflow with three revolving cups set to catch the wind. It collects continuous wind speed, temperature and direction data. Measurements will be monitored via “data plugs” in the device, which will quarterly be sent to MSU, where the data results will be recorded, with a full report sent on the completion of the monitoring period, up to 13 months.
The Michigan Anemometer Loan Program was initially established by the Department of Energy’s Midwestern Regional Office with the goal of spurring wind development in the State of Michigan. With the data gained from the anemometer, JCC intends to explore installing a wind turbine to initiate an alternative energy program. President Daniel Phelan would like to develop a wind energy generation technician associate degree and certificate program at the College
