BASEBALL’S MOST DIFFERENT WIND

Progressive Field's wind turbine being assembled in parking lot
Karen Farkas, March 14, 2012 (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

"An innovative wind turbine that will look like a fat corkscrew [and is designed to pivot with the wind] is being assembled in the players' parking lot at Progressive Field…Within a few weeks it will be mounted atop the ballpark's southeast corner…shorter than the stadium's light poles but highly visible…

"Ironworkers are adding the finishing touches to a 3,000-pound eight-sided aluminum frame that will be covered with 80 translucent white plastic pieces to form a helix…Near the frame is the steel base that will hold the turbine. Close by is a triangular steel platform that will be mounted on to the stadium that will support the base…The turbine, which will be lighted within by colored LED lights, is the latest version of a ‘wind amplification turbine system,’ developed by Majid Rashidi, chairman of Cleveland State University's department of engineering technology."

Not Abner Doubleday's wind mill (click to enlarge)

"CSU had received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy…to design and install two structures based on Rashidi's patented system of a wind-deflecting structure with small-scale turbines that can generate power at low wind speeds…[The Cleveland Indians have] a commitment to sustainability, including adding solar panels to the stadium…Indians officials said the size of the turbine fits the ballpark, which did not have enough space to put up a traditional three-blade turbine…

"When asked when the turbine will be installed and working, [the contractor] pointed to a sign on Progressive Field above the parking lot. It indicated 23 days to the first pitch of the new Indians season…"