School moves forward with on-site wind turbine project

By the numbers: McKenna school wind turbine Following approval by the Mountain Home City Council last month, Richard McKenna Charter School moved forward to build the first wind turbine within city limits. The following is a breakdown of this alternative energy initiative. 1.8 --Total power input, in kilowatts, the turbine produces 3 -- Number of blades the turbine uses 8 -- Minimum wind speed, in miles per hour, needed to move the blades 12 -- Total diameter, in feet, of the turbine blades 43 -- Height, in feet, of the turbine's tower 55 -- Maximum wind speed, in miles per hour, the turbine can handle before it automatically shuts down to prevent damage 170 -- The turbine's total weight, in pounds 4,000 -- Cost, in dollars, of the actual turbine 15,000 -- The project's total cost in dollars

Following unanimous city council approval last month, Richard McKenna Charter School has continued to move ahead with plans to install the first wind turbine within city limits.

The school's project comes on the heels of the city's new wind turbine ordinance, which outlines requirements for residents wanting to build similar electrical generators on their property.

Alternative energy teacher Todd Thorn launched the wind turbine idea after he started teaching at the charter school three years ago. During his first year, he tasked his students to develop a cost benefit proposal to see if solar panels or a wind turbine would save the school money and how much energy these alternatives actually produce.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Feb. 17, 2010, edition of the Mountain Home News, or click on the following link to subscribe to the online edition.