The US Environmental Protection Agency located in Research Triangle Park (EPA-RTP), NC, is interested in demonstrating advancements in small scale wind turbine technologies. Located near the geographic center of North Carolina, EPA-RTP is situated in a Class 1 wind field. This wind classification is traditionally considered unsuitable for wind power. However, an in-house literature review indicates that recent advances in small scale wind turbines (WT) may enable RTP to take advantage of micro environmental factors that would enable operation in low wind regimes. The EPA-RTP campus consists of 8 buildings, one of which is EPA's newest and largest research facility totaling more than 1.1 million sq. ft. The buildings range in height from approximately 30 to 40 meters with parapets above the local tree line. They are grouped in a shallow ?V? with an open plaza at the bottom of the ?V.? Given the local terrain, the physical layout of the buildings and their elevations, EPA-RTP believes that it might have a micro-environment that could accommodate advanced vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) and horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) designs. Therefore, EPA-RTP invites one or more Partners to demonstrate their respective technologies on the RTP site on a no cost, non-reimbursable basis. The demonstration shall consist of at least one or more VAWTs and HAWTs. As a minimum, the Partner shall help EPA-RTP size an appropriate WT, provide the technology, train EPA staff in its operation, advise EPA on it operation, and assist EPA in optimizing its location. EPA-RTP will provide necessary equipment to monitor each technology?s performance (e.g. data logger, computers, etc) and provide essential maintenance. These WTs shall not be hooked into any of the building?s electrical systems or onto the local electrical grid. However, pertinent data such as wind direction, wind speed, kWh generation, etc shall be continuously recorded for analysis. The demonstration shall last a minimum of 1 year at which time at which time, based on the results of the analysis, EPA-RTP will determine how to proceed. Each Partner shall have access to all data generated by their respective technology during the demonstration, and the technologies will be returned to the respective Partners. Entities seeking to join EPA-RTP in this demonstration are asked to provide pertinent technical information, including photos, on the performance of their technology under low wind conditions. The selection of a Partner(s) will be based on the potential for success of the proposed technology, the contribution of the individual WT to EPA-RTP?s goal of demonstrating a variety of technologies, and its impact on or contribution to site aesthetics. Interested Partners are invited to tour the site at their own expense. Or a virtual tour is available at htttp://www.epa.gov/rtp/facilities/maincampus.htm. The EPA-RTP campus was designed and built with the goal of demonstrating EPA's commitment to environmental stewardship. It is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leading example of green building. Currently, 100% of its electrical consumption is offset through the purchase of renewable energy certificates. In addition, EPA-RTP is the home of North Carolina's largest solar powered generator and our access roads are lit by solar powered street lights. To further strengthen its role as an environmental steward, EPA-RTP is committed to the advancement and use of alternative energy resources. This WT demonstration is intended to be highly visible symbol of that commitment. Interested parties requiring additional information or desiring to set up a site visit should contact: James B. White at
[email protected]. Notification of interest in participating in this demonstration and supporting technical information should be mailed to James B. White, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code C604-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711.