GEM Inc. has installed a 100kW wind turbine at the Toledo Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee in Rossford, Ohio. The 37-meter-high tower and turbine are providing an important training tool as well as supplemental power. The turbine has reduced JATC's electric bill by one-third.

ROSSFORD, OH – A 100-kilowatt wind turbine was recently installed at the Toledo Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Rossford, Ohio, by GEM Inc., of Walbridge.

The 37-meter-high tower and wind turbine will provide an important training tool for JATC students, as well as supplemental power for the JATC.

The turbine is already showing energy-saving results. "We just received our first electric bill since the tower and wind turbine were commissioned, and the bill is one-third less than the previous one," said Dave Wellington, JATC Training Director.

The turbine installation is partially grant-funded. The Department of Labor "Ohio Grows" has commissioned WBGU to film a documentary which will be presented to Congress. The JATC is one of only four construction training centers nationwide with IBEW wind turbine certification.

Two JATC graduates, now employed by GEM Inc., installed the wind turbine and performed electrical work.

Unique features of the turbine:
> The U.S.-manufactured, direct-drive permanent magnet turbine functions without a gearbox, making this turbine more efficient than those which run on a gearbox because there is no power loss due to gears and less maintenance required.

> The hub is directly attached to the generator.

> The system uses a three-blade, fixed-pitch rotor.

> An active yaw drive system ensures that the blades always face into the wind.

> The system offers integral lightning protection.