The Michigan National Guard expenses $1.5 million on two electricity generating machines from wind at Camp Grayling near Grayling and the Fort Custer Training Center, Battle Creek, reports Midwest Energy News.
The system seizures wind from all directions, focusing and accelerating it first and then guiding through a turbine on the ground, unlike in regular windmills.
The designer firm, Sheerwind based in Minnesota calls it INVELOX, which stands for INcreased VELocity. According to them, the system generates six times more energy than conventional turbines and works at wind speeds as low as 2 mph. It’s cheaper to build and operate also.
The first attempt to build a ducted turbine similar to the Invelox was made 90 years ago, which got failed.
The wind funnels are going to be competitive, with the results going to be more spectacular than the company has advertised, commented, Michael Stone, assistant adjutant general, installations, Michigan Army National Guard.
Besides making the Michigan National Guard more sustainable and environmentally friendly, such projects would also increase the Guard’s energy security. During any national emergency, having a renewable energy source that generates own power, without being dependent on the grid is very important, said Stone.
Financial assistance is provided by National Guard Bureau and the construction will be undertaken by Ripman Construction.
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The Michigan National Guard has a target to increase the percentage of renewable energy that they use to 25 percent by 2020.
At present, advanced research studies are going on regarding the engineering design. Construction could start by next spring.
National Guard authorities hope that if INVOLEX works well, more of the wind funnels will be installed both in Michigan and nationwide.
Sabeena Wahid
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