Building-Integrated 4.8 Kilowatt System Technology Demonstrator Installed on the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey
September 13 2007MONROVIA, Calif., September 13, 2007 - AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leader in unmanned aircraft systems and efficient electric energy systems, announces the first technology demonstration of its building-integrated Architectural Wind system and new AVX400 wind turbine. The wind-turbine system is installed on the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. The project's stakeholders are the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), a bi-state agency of Pennsylvania and New Jersey; the Camden County Board of Freeholders; the State of New Jersey, which owns the building, and Steiner & Associates, the aquarium's operators.
A small, modular wind-turbine system, AV's Architectural Wind provides an attractive, clean-energy-generating technology for use in both urban and suburban environments. It is designed for quick, easy installation onto new or existing concrete tilts-up or pre-cast buildings, with little or no structural impact. The Camden system is fastened directly to the aquarium's parapet, and comprises 12 individual AVX400 wind turbines (400 watts each) for a total of 4.8 kilowatts peak power. Installed in February, the system began generating electricity after becoming interconnected to the utility grid in April of 2007. To enhance the educational aspect of the system, AV also installed an interactive kiosk facing the aquarium's rainforest waterfall, to tie in with its environmental theme.
Commented Joe Edwards, Vice President & General Manager of AV's Energy Technology Center "The project provides a fun, educational experience for school children and the general public, making them more aware of the benefits of renewable energy. We thank the DRPA, Camden County, the State of New Jersey, and Steiner & Associates for their support and their commitment to the environment by being a leader in the adoption of this unique, new technology."
Edwards added that AV is pursuing additional Architectural Wind projects in New Jersey and seeking innovative partners committed to sustainability. He noted that New Jersey offers substantial rebates and other incentives and that the projects would also promote economic development by generating increased revenue for local service providers selected for system integration, engineering and operational support.
AV is a pioneer in advanced energy system technologies. Since 1977, it has maintained a continuous presence in wind power technology, conducting more than 250 sponsored projects and investing in, developing, owning and managing wind farms. AV's new building-integrated Architectural Wind is a small, modular wind-turbine system that provides an attractive clean-energy generating technology for use in both urban and suburban environments.
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About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
Building on a history of technological innovation, AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Commercial and government entities use AV's clean transportation solutions such as electric vehicle test systems and electric vehicle fast charge systems, as well as its clean energy solutions. More information about AV is available at www.avinc.com.
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