Manassas, Va.-based Catch the Wind Ltd., developer and manufacturer of the Vindicator laser wind sensor (LWS) and other laser sensors, has signed a technology development agreement with DNV Global Energy Concepts Inc. (DNV-GERC), an engineering and technology consulting firm specializing in the analysis, design, testing and management of wind energy systems. DNV-GES will work with Catch the Wind to develop capabilities to integrate the Vindicator LWS with the control system of an operating turbine.
‘Developing integration capabilities for the Vindicator is consistent with our strategy to address the industry's need to extend the life cycle of the current installed base of turbines while optimizing their performance,’ says Phil Rogers, president and CEO of Catch the Wind.
Catch the Wind and DNV-GEC will specifically focus their efforts on integrating the Vindicator LWS with an out of warranty 1.65 MW wind turbine currently in use by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). The integration project will support Catch the Wind's trial program with the NPPD. The Vindicator LWS will be used by the NPPD to evaluate how the forward measurement of wind speed and direction can reduce the off-axis stress load of wind on wind turbines.
Catch the Wind's integration project with DNV-GEC, which will include development, design and testing activities, will produce a scalable framework that can be reused for other retrofit opportunities.
SOURCE: Catch the Wind Ltd.
