Small Wind Turbine Demonstration Project

A Stepping Stone to New Wind Support Program

While there are few sites in Connecticut suitable for large wind installations, the state offers many opportunities for small wind projects. To support such projects, CCEF intends to create a small wind rebate program similar to its Small Solar PV Rebate Program. As a first step, CCEF has initiated the Small Wind Turbine Demonstration Project, which is designed to provide CCEF with valuable information regarding the operation of wind turbines in Connecticut. Data and information obtained from the demonstration project, including the identification of which types of wind turbines perform best in Connecticut, will enable CCEF to craft an effective wind rebate program.

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund has selected four sites* – coastal, near-coastal and inland/mountain – as sites where wind turbines will be erected under the Small Wind Turbine Demonstration Project. At these diverse locations, which include the New Haven Visitor Information Center, YMCA Mountain Mist Day camp in Meriden, Lebanon High School, and Coventry High School, four different wind turbines will be tested. Data will be gathered over a one-year period and evaluated prior to the launch of a small wind rebate program.

Read below to learn more about the progress of these installations:

Coventry High School
Lebanon High School
Mountain Day Mist Camp Meriden YMCA
New Haven Visitor Information Center

For more information about the Small Wind Turbine Demonstration Project, please contact Keith Frame at keith.frame@ctcleanenergy.com.

*CCEF has limited the scope of this demonstration project to the four sites noted herein and is not able to accept additional sites into the project. CCEF will consider supporting other small wind proposals once it launches a small wind rebate program (in early 2010).

Coventry High School
Endurance S-343 5 kW Turbine on 105 ft Guyed Tube Tower
Coventry has obtained a wetland permit for the wind turbine and excavation, and foundation work is expected to begin in August. Tower and sensors are expected to be erected in September. The turbine will be located beyond the baseball field near the track and basketball court area.

Lebanon Memorial High School
Bergey 10 kW Excel-S on 100 ft Self-Supporting Lattice Tower
Lebanon permitting is underway and building permits are expected in August, to be quickly followed by excavation and foundation work. Tower and sensor equipment will be erected in September. The turbine will be located north of the school, just southeast of the blue equipment shed.

Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp
Eoltec 6 kW Scirroco Turbine on 106 ft Guyed Tube Tower
Permitting is underway in Meriden as well. Excavation and concrete work are scheduled to begin mid-August and the tower and sensors will be erected in September. YMCA staff plan to have supporting turbine equipment including inverters, data acquisition, and control equipment available for viewing in their pavilion area once the installation is complete. The turbine will be located southeast of the pavilion area.

New Haven Long Wharf
Proven 6kW Turbine on 90 ft Monopole Tower
Permitting is underway for the New Haven Long Wharf installation. Excavation and foundation work are scheduled to begin in August. The turbine will be located next to the Long Wharf, between the New Haven Visitor Information Center and the Schooner Building on Long Wharf Drive.

Resources

Connecticut Small Wind Demonstration Project - Request for proposals from potential host sites, RFP #CCEF-SWTDP-002

CCEF SWTDP Site Selection RFP-Questions and Answers - Updated February 3, 2009

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