A qualitative proposal containing technical informaton areas addressed in the plan covered site identification, components of the wind energy conversion system, a development plan, business and operations plans, and a curriculumn integration plan.
Two price proposals based on the manufacturer were received from PowerWind Turbine and Nordic Windpower. The cost of construction of the Nordic Windpower System was quoted at $2,223,976 and the PowerWind Turbine was quoted at $2,395,888. The PowerWind Turbine, even though more expensive, has a greater out-put and therefore, a greater return on the investment.
Dan Rawlins, the design criteria developer, presented a document to confirm that all areas of the proposals are in compliance, with some items being completed and others pending. Keyed remarks were presented by Rawlins to the committee. The committee discussed some areas of the proposal questioning the connection point, access road, utility rate, insurance, maintenance, and other issues.
Tony Kuykendall, also from Performance Services, joined the meeting to answer questions on the proposal and to give an update on the utility rates.
The committee was told that the wind energy conversion system will generate an estimated 2,538,000 kWH on an annual basis based on an annual, average wind speed of 6.86 meters per second (m/s) and 5 percent losses for scheduled maintenance downtime and potential power outages.
The project is subject to approval by NIPSCO, the providing utility. The developer will submit the required impact study, and at this time, is unaware of any impediments to utility company approval.
The time-frame for the project includes mobilization on the site by June, turbine erection completed (commissioning begins) by September, and turnover for operations in November 2011. The wind turbine will have a minimum 20-year life.
The curriculum integration plan includes a curriculum map and connection to the national WindWise network. These are appropriate resources, and the school will be able to purchase curriculum modules it feels are appropriate to its educational plan at a cost that is in addition to the price proposal from the Design-Builder.
The wind power project remains under review by the school's technical review committee. Its members are:
- Charles Mellon Superintendent, West Central School Corporation
- Jeff Tanner Contractor / Board Member
- Dean Lowry Board Member
- Jim Bergens Board Member
- Daniel Rawlins Design Criteria Developer, InterDesign
- Randy Leman Community Member
- Tyson Mellon Community Member
