Youngstown State University launched a partnership Wednesday with a local company that's helping to revolutionize renewable energy.
Northern States Metals, based in Youngstown, is working with YSU's Engineering Department to further develop its mounting systems for solar panels. Officials demonstrated a wind tunnel designed in collaboration with YSU as part of a $77,000 research grant.
The wind tunnel is sixteen times larger than the university's old version. It will allow YSU to test real wind using a scale model of Northern States Metals product.
"We view YSU as a very strong partner because they have skills that we can't afford to acquire, we really don't need on a full-time basis, but they have them here," said Roberty Voytilla, CFO of Northern States Metals. "They are a true reservoir of intellectual capital that we really enjoy working with."
YSU faculty and students are also designing a wind deflector to help further the production of Northern States Metals newest solar panel installation system.
