Breathitt Area Technology Center

On March 28, 2012, students of the KY Tech Breathitt County ATC Electrical Technology program finished erecting the wind generator that will be used for the “Green” studies requirement in Electrical Technology’s curriculum.

The wind generator, which uses a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro alternator, is capable of producing three phase Alternating Current power.  This power is then converted to Direct Current for battery charging.  The wind generator sets atop of a thirty-five foot tower that is attached to 3 guy wires which help reduce the damage of the tower in heavy winds. This small generator would be ideal for powering small appliances and lighting loads.  It would be ideal for rural locations or cabins, or in ideal wind conditions this generator could be utilized to start maintaining specialized loads within your home, reducing household utility costs.

Other programs at Breathitt County KY Tech worked to contribute some type of aid to the wind generator project.  Mr. Tackett’s Automotive Technology class dissected the alternator and explained to the classes how the different components worked, highlighting what has been modified and removed since it was last used on an automobile.  Mr. Booth’s Carpentry class aided with the erecting of the tower and pouring the forms for the base of the tower.  Mr. Mayabb’s and Mr. Smith’s Office Technology classes aided with using the Internet to research the proper procedures for building the tower.  A special thanks to our Principal Margaret Gross for helping make this project a reality and to our Maintenance Technician Daniel Herald for assisting Mr. Clibern and the students with the installation.

Faculty, students and staff of KY Tech Breathitt County Area Technology Center hope to use this project in order to learn more about green possibilities and sustainable energy sources for several years to come.