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Owens Community College is expanding its educational opportunities within the
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Wind Turbines of Ohio LLC owner
Greg Courtney works on the new
33-foot wind turbine prior to its
installation at Owens.
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area of renewable energy with the installation of the first-ever wind turbine on campus.
The new state-of-the-art technology will be used for experiential learning purposes within Workforce and Community Services’ new Wind Turbine Installation and Wind Technology Maintenance Technician certificate programs.
The wind turbine was recently installed and winched into its proper vertical position adjacent to the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building by Wind Turbines of Ohio LLC, which is based in Alliance.
The 33-foot Skystream 3.7 turbine is a fully integrated, utility-connected wind generator designed specifically for residential and small commercial businesses.
Dr. Michael Bankey, vice president of Workforce and Community Services, said, “Clean wind energy is emerging as a viable option from an energy and efficiency standpoint for both commercial business and residential home consumption.”
In addition to its instructional value, the 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine generator will be used to convert wind power into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building.
Eighteen unemployed and dislocated workers will participate in the initial Wind Turbine Installation and Maintenance Technician Program Sept. 28 through Dec. 4. The first short-cycle training class, which combines the two new certificate programs, is part of Owens’ new $1.9 million federal stimulus grant program.
Participants in the 172-hour training program will receive instruction in the installation, operation and maintenance of wind turbines for possible careers as wind turbine installers and wind technology maintenance technicians. Course content also highlights electrical principles, fluid power fundamentals, environmental safety, OSHA safety and power distribution systems, as well as wind measurement, estimating power output, the economics of wind power, wind technology and interconnection of utilities, among other academic areas.
Owens’ Workforce and Community Services will be offering its initial academic courses within the Wind Turbine Installation and Wind Technology Maintenance Technician certificate programs to area residents in the near future.
The college is also planning to install a 130-foot wind turbine. For more information about the new programs, call 567-661-7357 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7357.
Cutline:
Wind Turbines of Ohio LLC owner Greg Courtney works on the new 33-foot wind turbine prior to its installation at Owens.
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Education 
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