Renewable Energy and Conservation
In 2005, Cape Cod Tech in collaboration with Cape Cod Community College and with funding from a National Science Foundation grant developed a plan to promote renewable energy awareness, integrate this technology into our school curriculum, and establish a knowledge and training base for a renewable energy / green technology work force.
We have enthusiastically embraced renewable and green technology education and adopted it as a significant component among our educational goals. Through the development and integration of new curriculum, equipment purchases and installations, teacher training and our tech prep program we have become a leader in renewable energy education and a model school in the development of similar programs at tech schools across the state.
Our effort and success in our renewable initiative have been acknowledged through the spirit and enthusiasm our students have shown while constructing these installations and through the quality of their related Senior Projects that include these new technologies. Their pride and ownership of the renewable/green philosophy is palpable in shops and classrooms alike. Additionally, in 2006, the Mass Department of Environmental Affairs has acknowledged us for “Dedication, Commitment, and Contribution to Environmental Education “
In 2007, for our innovative recycling program (Green Beans), designed and operated by our science students. In 2008, we received the CIGO Green Award from the Cape and the Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative for Vision, Leadership, and Action.
Renewable Energy has permeated our school. Equipment acquired with National Science Foundation funds has been integrated into our curriculum. We now have several permanent installations and portable trainers, which represent a good cross section of current technologies readily available to our shops and classrooms. Our installation and equipment available include the following.
Wind Turbine
ARE 110 2.5 Kw wind turbine .This is a gin pole, guy wire installation that can be raised and lowered by electrical winch for maintenance, service, or educational purposes. It is connected to a “Windy Boy” inverter which makes the electricity made by the turbine compatible with the grid ( electrical utility service supplied to the school) the tower is 127’ tall each blade is approximately 7’ long. The turbine weights about 250 pounds. The system is engineered to withstand 120 + mph winds. It starts producing electricity at 5-7 mph wind speed. This system is a “training turbine” here at Cape Cod Tech, but would serve about half the needs of a small house at peak power. It does offset a small portion of Cape Cod Tech ‘s electrical needs. The “Windy Boy” and wind data equipment is wired to the electrical shop for monitoring and data collection/sharing.
Photo Voltaic
Our flower shop, Roots and Roses is run by our Horticulture Department. It has a four panel, photovoltaic array that augments its power needs for operation. This array has 4-300 w panels which produce 1.2 Kw at 60 volts at peak power to the flower shop. This array has a “Sunny Boy “inverter and is grid connected. The “Sunny Boy’ makes the energy produced compatible with grid voltage.