Catch the Wind Ltd. has announced that it is entering the test phase of its trial program with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), following the successful development of capabilities to integrate the Vindicator laser wind sensor (LWS) with the control system of an operating turbine.
As part of the test phase, the company is now progressing with the
integration of a Vindicator LWS unit to control a working turbine
located at NPPD’s Ainsworth Wind Energy Facility located near
Ainsworth, Nebraska. The trial program, which is designed to evaluate
how using forward measurement of wind speed and direction to optimally
align wind turbines with the approaching wind can reduce the off-axis
stress loads on turbines, is expected to be completed by September 30,
2009. Catch the Wind believes that this reduction in off-axis loading
will result in reduced maintenance costs and extended component
lifetime.
