CTW Completes Final Testing with Wind Energy Institute of Canada
Results demonstrate that turbine control delivers increased energy output
Catch the Wind Ltd. (TSX-V: CTW.S), developer and manufacturer of the Vindicator® laser wind sensor (LWS) and other sensor products, announced today that the Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan), Canada’s leading research institute for wind energy systems, has completed its final performance testing of a prototype of the Company’s Vindicator® laser wind sensor (LWS). The Phase II test results demonstrated 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 on October 21, 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,” said Paul Dockrill, Director of Technology, WEICan. “We look forward to working with Catch the Wind as it continues to bring its laser wind sensor technology to market.”
Yaw control, which involves aligning a turbine’s blades perpendicular to the oncoming wind, has traditionally been a reactive process using weather vane-like instruments that are located to sense the wind after it has passed through the rotor blades. Catch the Wind’s laser wind sensor, which determines wind speed and direction as it approaches the turbine rotor, makes it possible to proactively position a turbine for optimal alignment. Improving yaw control alignment is a key requirement of the wind energy industry as it results in reduced stress loads and improved energy production output.
To the knowledge of the Company, the test with WEICan was the first time in the history of the wind energy industry that a laser wind sensor was integrated into an operating wind turbine to report wind speed and direction for turbine control.
“Since our launch, our goal has been to work closely with all members of the wind energy industry to help them reduce a turbine’s operating costs and improve its energy output, and the Wind Energy Institute of Canada provided the first technical validation of a turbine mounted, feed-forward laser wind sensor,” said Phil Rogers, President and CEO of Catch the Wind Ltd. “Our latest test results once again validate the effectiveness of our technology and our ability to address the economic challenges facing wind farm operators and turbine manufacturers alike.”
About Catch the Wind Ltd.
Catch the Wind Ltd. is a high-growth technology company headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. The company was founded in 2008 to develop and manufacture the Vindicator® laser wind sensor.
Catch the Wind serves the commercial market sector for laser based wind sensor systems, recognized as the “gold standard” in wind measurement. The company is focused on becoming a major contributor in making clean, renewable wind energy more affordable and profitable. For more information, visit www.catchthewindinc.com.
About the Wind Energy Institute of Canada
The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) is a not-for-profit research and development institution that has been working in wind energy development since formed as the Atlantic Wind Test Site (AWTS) in 1981. WEICan works with private sector clients, governments, academics and other NGO’s on research, development and demonstration projects, testing of wind turbines for the purpose of certification, and other initiatives to advance the development of wind energy technologies. For more information, visit www.weican.ca.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release, include, but are not limited to, economic performance and future plans and objectives of Catch the Wind. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although Catch the Wind believes that the assumptions and factors used in making the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Catch the Wind disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information, please contact:
Catch the Wind Ltd.
Claudia Jaques
Vice President and General Counsel
703-393-0754
[email protected]
The Equicom Group
Joe Racanelli
416-815-0700 ext. 243
[email protected]