Boreal Renewable Energy Development measures Manhattan breezes with Second Wind technology

On behalf of partner Williams Building Company, a full-service construction firm based in South Yarmouth, Mass., Boreal is assessing wind speed and direction for possible wind turbine placement on the roof of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New York City. The assessment will also help determine the optimal location for the turbines.

The VA Medical Center rooftop turbine project is one of many urban rooftop wind turbine installations that Second Wind’s wind measurement technology has helped make possible. Nine turbines installed in 2009 atop the Boston Museum of Science helps power the Museum’s operations and stands as a symbol of the Museum's commitment to renewable energy education.

Boreal, an Arlington, Mass-based renewable energy developer with expertise in solar and wind, is also no stranger to landmark wind measurement projects. Boreal is using Second Wind’s measurement technology in a feasibility study for the Kraft Group, owners of the New England Patriots -- to determine whether a wind turbine could help Gillette Stadium meet its energy needs. The company works with a multitude of different clients to determine the best strategy for effectively installing wind and solar energy. They have particular expertise working with government clients and are a licensed GSA vendor.

Boreal is using one of Second Wind’s popular Nomad 2 Wind Resource Data Loggers to collect the wind data and analyze the potential for energy production at the VA Medical Center. Sensors situated on rooftops between the 19th and 23rd floors measure wind speed and direction, and the Nomad 2 data logger compiles and stores the data.

Boreal has used Second Wind’s wind measurement instruments for several years on a variety of projects and has found Second Wind’s service exceptional. “Their technology has become a critical component of our wind assessment studies but more than that they are a fantastic company to work with,” said Alex Weck, a wind energy consultant at Boreal. “We have enjoyed a congenial working relationship, and both companies are committed to improving the success of wind energy by using wind information to plan facilities wisely.”

While rooftop wind projects make up a small percentage of projects Boreal and Second Wind work on, there is increasing interest from communities who want to understand the potential for generating energy within the urban environment. Wind turbines situated atop buildings help increase awareness for wind as a renewable energy source because they are visible to passersby and create a visual representation of the growing use of renewable energy sources.

“Boreal has been a great partner for us because they share our vision for continuing to realize the potential of wind,” said Matt McLoughlin, tower systems sales manager, Second Wind. “Our Nomad 2 data loggers are used around the world to compile data, but there are also great examples of more local community wind projects that are equally important for furthering awareness and development of wind energy like this project in New York.”

About Second Wind

Second Wind develops wind measurement systems that enhance the value of wind energy for consumers, investors and the environment. The company’s technology provides wind farm developers with dependable wind data they need to plan, finance and operate highly efficient wind generation facilities. Second Wind’s systems are making wind farm development profitable in 50 countries on seven continents. Second Wind’s systems include Triton®, the wind industry's leading remote sensing system, Nomad® 2 wind data logger systems, the ProMast™ 60, a 60-meter meteorological mast and the SkyServe® web-based data service. For more information about Boston-based Second Wind, please visit www.secondwind.com.