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Remote Power Unit Donated from Aris Wind, LLC
A unique new tool has been added to the list of resources for students studying at Westchester Community College; a 29-foot Remote Power Unit (RPU) now graces the front entrance of the institution’s Technology Building on the main campus in Valhalla. On September 21, the college hosted a dedication ceremony to commemorate this donation from Aris Wind, LLC.
This new equipment will help instructors in a variety of different academic programs demonstrate the uses of renewable energy to college students. The unit, which generates both solar and wind power, includes a lighting system and a USB charging station. This new energy technology will help supplement course lessons on energy efficiency, energy conservation, wind power, solar power, energy storage, and Internet/computer control of the RPU device.
At the ceremony, Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President, Westchester Community College, noted that the donation of the new equipment fits in perfectly with the college’s five focus areas. “This new equipment supports our student success theme since it will help them further engage in applied learning experiences. The tie-in to workforce development is strong as students will be able to use cutting edge technology provided by a local firm to learn about their chosen field, and they will be able to leverage this experience to help them secure employment after graduation. Our community engagement focus area is supported by the involvement of a new corporate partner: Aris Wind. Our next focus area, improving college culture, is relevant since students will be encouraged to try this new technology (the culture of innovation). And finally, there are several tie-ins with our stewardship focus area as we celebrate a generous donation by Aris, which helps our bottom line, and also acknowledge that this new equipment will improve our ability to save natural resources,” she said.
Also during the dedication, Professor Richard Vaninwegen introduced the members of the college’s Energy Club including Peter Singh, who introduced the idea of housing an RPU on campus to the college administration.
Aris President Dan Connors spoke to the attendees, noting that this was “a win-win.” He told the crowd that “we all succeed with this project since our company is very interested in sharing new technology with interested students, some of whom may work for Aris in the future!” The company (www.ariswind.com) is a metropolitan New York City based renewable energy firm with advanced and unique wind/solar products for off-grid and grid-tied power applications.
William M. Mooney III, Director, Westchester County Office of Economic Development, also spoke at the event, hailing the public/private partnership. The county office helped facilitate the donation.