Catch The Wind Completes Final Testing With Wind Energy Institute Of Canada

The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan), a research institute for wind energy systems based in Canada, has completed its final performance testing of a prototype of Catch the Wind Ltd.'s Vindicator laser wind sensor (LWS).

The Phase II test results demonstrate that the Vindicator LWS was able to successfully control the wind turbine rotor direction in alignment with the oncoming wind for increased energy output. Phase I test results were reported in October 2008.

‘Our evaluation project resulted in the demonstration of the concept that a laser-based wind sensor could successfully control the yaw direction of a wind turbine,’ says Paul Dockrill, director of technology at WEICan.

Yaw control has traditionally been a reactive process using weathervane-like instruments that are located to sense the wind after it has passed through the rotor blades. Catch the Wind's LWS, which determines wind speed and direction as it approaches the turbine rotor, makes it possible to proactively position a turbine for optimal alignment, according to the company.

SOURCE: Catch the Wind Ltd.