The project began the first phase of its operation in January. It consisted of a single Skystream wind generation system and three solar panels, grid tied. “This is the first of its kind, windmills operation within the school system and certainly by the CNMI for this purpose,” says Craig Garrison, principal of Saipan Southern High School.
The wind turbine and solar panel array were installed and software deployed to the school which took over operations. Its data is collected through a wireless interface that is atop of the head of the wind generation system
It is downloaded to a computer and the software keeps all the data. “The company who sold us the wind generator helps us to be able to evaluate its data,” says Garrison. “It does provide information as a pilot project to kind of mirror what we can expect may be as the growth of the project continues exponentially to larger windmills and make increased amount of solar panels.”
The primary reason why the school is the focus of the Green Energy grant that Garrison has written is because the school consumes a huge amount of power. “That is because we are a technology-based school. We have the highest functioning infrastructure with electronics equipment on board,” says Garrison.
But the biggest concern with the current project is that it provides the energy that is necessary in the events that the school looses power. The generated energy is used as back up power that keep the pumps running for the school’s sewage system. It also powers up the science classrooms.
The windmill’s strength was also tested during the recent typhoons that hit the island. “We monitored it very closely. And looking at the projected wind speed on the data that we had, it will probably sustain wind speed without having to take it down,” Garrison said.
There are also green projects within the school that creats tasks for the students to competitively develop green-energy solutions to some of the school’s internal problems, whether it’s the use of the laptop, or whether it is the use of the television in the classrooms. “The kids can now start the process. We want to see how the students create and think in their minds of the ways they are going to need to develop these technologies themselves,” Garrison said.
With the initial part of the project going strong it has certainly been successful. “Its in great shape, its very much accomplishing what we believe it will accomplish and in some cases even more. And we look for great things to come,” says Garrison.
The further development of the CNMI grid tie in green energy infrastructure and educational content is to be applied on the second phase of the project which they are all working on. The U.S. Department of Energy, The Foundation for Environmental Education, and numerous cooperating agencies will work with the school.
“If you are creating energy and you are sending that extra energy back to the grid via net metering, then you are part of the solution. You are truly renewing the energy,” Garrison said.
