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Alternative Energy TechnologiesMAREC is the realization of the SmartZone vision of the State of Michigan. It became fully operational in the Spring of 2004 as a result of the collaboration between Grand Valley State University, the City of Muskegon, the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce. MAREC is a 25,000 square feet facility which is an advanced demonstration of distributed electric generation. The objective of MAREC is to select and demonstrate the technical viability and economic performance of renewable and alternative energy technologies. It is also an incubating center for new energy companies and offers a wide range of educational programs. A 250 kW molten carbonate fuel cell is utilized for electric base load while a combined heat/power micro turbine is used to supply up to 30 kW of dynamic power. The heat recovered from these technologies is utilized to augment the facility’s heating boilers and a sidewalk ice melt system. A 10,000 square feet of photovoltaic panel covers most of the roof of the facility and produces up to 30 kW of power. A nickel metal hydride battery system is integrated for energy storage. Recently as part of MAREC’s Offshore Wind Initiative a 1.8 kW wind turbine was installed.
MAREC is integrated with the local utility, Consumers Energy, via MAREC’s computer controlled switch board. MAREC’s Interconnect Agreement stipulates that the power MAREC consumes from the utility is purchased at the negotiated electric rate which has been around 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, MAREC only receives 2.1 cents per kilowatt-hour when electricity is exported to the utility. The excess power that MAREC generates can not be economically exported under this existing policy, not until such a time a Renewable Portfolio Standard with more favorable feed-in tariffs are implemented in the State of Michigan.
MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - April MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - May MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - June MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - July MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - August MAREC's Wind Turbine Performance Data - October MAREC Integrated Systems slide US Renewable Portfolio Standards Map slide
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| Last Modified Date: April 6, 2009 | |
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