Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Destiny USA has put into place many initiatives when it comes to sustainable energy. While it gave no comment about the actual construction of the addition, they have moved forward with this wind turbine project made possible by a Federal Grant.
Each turbine is 23 feet high and will produce 10 kilowatts of power. They're made by
"PowAIR Sail," a local company that specializes in vertical wind turbines made from locally supplied parts.
Those installed at on the roof of the Destiny USA are the first roof-mounted turbines in the Syracuse area.
"It starts up in 3 mph winds and allows you to work at a lower wind speed which is more common in most areas. You're producing more energy more frequently and longer over an annual period," said PowAIR Sail President and CEO Ray Davis.
Many turbines shut down when the wind hits 40 to 50 miles per hour. PowAIR Sail says these will handle winds of 100 miles per hour or more.
One turbine unit weighs 4200 pounds, which is a heavy weight on top of the roof. It's secured with cylinder blocks, which means installation does not require penetration of the roof.
Destiny uses more power than the turbines provide, but Davis says they will still have an impact. "It's definitely going to augment that power. Look at the community lighting areas. They'll augment that and powering Carousel as well as offset electricity for some of those things," he said.
PowAIR Sail representative TriciaRae Davis says the turbines are green in order to reflect the promise of clean technology. "It's symbolic of what it is -- green was chosen because it's green technology. It gets people talking and asking and that's what we're trying to invoke."
It's a way to show the community and outsiders that Central New York has a great base for clean technology. The electricians were wiring a turbine on the left side of the array on Monday. Next, they plan to adjust and wire the turbine on the right. They also plan to add one to the opposite side of the mall next week, and another company will install two more in August.
Students at SUNY ESF will monitor the wind speed and direction of the turbines as well as their output. This information will help certify PowAIR Sail's annual power curve.
