Viryd Technologies has announced the company has received a notice of intent to award a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to test an 8-kilowatt wind turbine equipped with its NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology. Additionally, the company announced the re-opening of its Series A financing round.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory will direct the turbine testing as part of the DOE program to enhance the federal government's ability to support the wind industry through testing the performance and reliability of current and next-generation wind turbine drivetrain systems. Viryd's drivetrain promises to increase energy generation, lower costs and boost small wind system reliability.
"With support from DOE and our investors, we plan to perform NREL standard tests of our initial product at the National Wind Testing Center facility in Colorado in order to speed product certification and communicate the value of our small wind systems," said Viryd CEO, John Langdon.
"Our advanced technology drivetrain will allow us to capture more energy with lower initial cost – ultimately reducing the cost of renewable electricity."
Viryd drivetrains for wind turbines leverage an advanced CVP transmission technology, developed by Fallbrook Technologies Inc., to improve energy capture by controlling the rotor to optimize its Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) at all wind velocities. The Viryd design also eliminates the need for expensive power electronics and inverters because it allows the use of an inexpensive and reliable generator that connects directly to the utility grid.
Several recently released studies point to the market potential of the small wind industry. According to the American Wind Energy Association, small wind grew 78 percent in 2008 and the sector is expected to continue to grow at a similar compound annual growth rate for the next five years following the passage of the 30 percent investment tax credit and improved manufacturing capabilities across the industry.
There is also the potential for additional renewable energy credits for distributed generation wind systems.
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