The first wind turbine manufactured in the state of Michigan is unveiled, is the wind industry starting to lag in production, and a solar ranch being developed in Colorado.
Michigan’s first Wind Turbine
Merrill Technologies Group and Northern Power Systems unveiled the first wind turbine manufactured in the state of Michigan. The turbine was made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that gave the Merrill Technologies Group $22 million in tax credit to expand work on turbine parts. The company invested a huge sum in their Saginaw, Mich. factory, which assembles nacelles—the part of the turbine that houses the engine. The company has teamed up with Northern Power Systems to use their nacelles to produce full turbines. The endeavor has created plenty of jobs for local residents. “Today’s announcement in Saginaw shows what’s possible when the public and private sector come together to invest in the next generation of U.S manufacturing,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “These investments under the Recovery Act are helping to ensure that Michigan stays at the forefront of America’s clean energy economy for years to come.”
Wind Industry Reports Decline
The American Wind Energy Association has released its third quarter reports, which show that the wind industry is struggling. In fact, reports show that this is the slowest year since 2007. Even with the major developments and the growth in renewable energy resources, installments have been down 72 percent. The group has only added 395 megawatts of wind power. Analysts cite decreased electricity usage and the growth of the natural gas industry as reasons for the stagnating wind energy company. Americans find themselves financially stressed and are using less energy in general, according to reports. Study groups also blame the lack of formal policy regarding renewable energy as another reason for the decline. There have been positives, however; states have been pushing cleaner energy and some have even emerged as leaders in wind power like Oregon. Internationally, wind energy is also seeing disappointment—although the grown in China is likely to even things out.
Solar Ranch Under Construction in Colorado
The wind industry may be announcing a slow quarter, but the solar industry is heating up. SunPower plans to design and construct the solar panels for the San Luis Valley Solar Ranch project in Colorado. The solar farm will include 30-MW PV panels engineered by SunPower. Iberdrola Renewables is going to develop the solar ranch and continue operating it once the panels are installed. SunPower is going use their E19 panels with embedded tracker systems.
Researchers find a way to store and release Solar Energy
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered a method to store and release solar energy on demand. The research lays the foundation for the possible invention of a rechargeable battery that stores heat, not electricity. Scientists used the molecule fulvalene diruthenium, which undergoes a structural change when it is hit by sunlight. It remains in this higher-energy state for until the addition of a catalyst such as heat. Then, it returns to its original shape and releases heat in the process. Researchers claimed that when the stored heat can be released at 200 degrees Celsius; if a fuel were to be made using the molecule, it could be powerful enough to even heat a home. The ultimate benefit of using the fulvalene diruthenium is that it is rechargeable and remains stable. In addition, the heat energy is available on demand: put the fuel in the sun, let it charge, use the heat, and replace it in the sun. The downside to the scenario is the rarity and cost of obtaining the necessary molecules.
Hydrogen-Powered, Self-Sufficient Car
Agriscience professor at Middle Tennessee State University has created a hydrogen-powered car that uses the sun to make its own fuel. The car, a 1994 Toyota Tercel, has been dubbed “Forces of Nature” and aims to complete a 500-mile journey from Blacksburg, Virginia to Little Rock, Arkansas to test out its efficiency. The car uses a solar collector to generate electricity to power the electrolysis unit. This unit separates the water into its hydrogen and oxygen elements and stores the hydrogen in a separate tank where it is compressed, and then transferred to the car’s fuel tanks that run its motor. Not only is it fuel-efficient, this car is self-sufficient.
