"Multi-unit testing of the Vindicator LWS represents our most significant milestone to date and is important on a number of levels," said Phil Rogers, President and CEO of Catch the Wind Ltd. "Working with Canadian Hydro Developers will allow us to collect and analyze wind data from different locations of a wind farm simultaneously and illustrate how wind speed and direction is constantly shifting even in relatively small areas. Most importantly, we believe the trial will allow us to demonstrate that even minor adjustments to the alignment of turbines can have a dramatic impact on stress loads and energy output, significantly enhancing the profitability of a wind farm."
The trial program, Catch the Wind's largest to date, is designed to test the forward wind measurement and turbine-control capabilities of the Vindicator LWS for proper alignment of a turbine against oncoming wind to reduce equipment stress and increase energy output.
The Vindicator LWS test units will be installed and integrated on eight of Canadian Hydro Developers total of 15 turbines located at the Cowley North ecoPower centre in Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada, for a direct, side-by-side comparison with turbines not equipped with laser wind sensors. Each of Cowley North's Nordex N60 1.3 MW wind turbines is currently out of warranty.
Phased delivery of the Vindicator LWS test units is expected to begin by September 30, 2009, and end by December 31, 2009. The trial program is expected to last up to six months, effective with the final delivery and installation of the Vindicator LWS test units.
About Canadian Hydro
Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. is committed to Building a Sustainable Future. The company is the largest and most diversified developer, owner, and operator of 21 renewable energy–generation facilities in Canada, totaling net 694 MW of capacity in operation, 185 MW in and nearing construction, and 1624 MW in development. The renewable-generation portfolio is diversified across three technologies (water, wind, and biomass) in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. This portfolio is unique in Canada as all facilities are certified or slated for certification, under Environment Canada's EcoLogo Program.
About Catch the Wind
Catch the Wind Ltd. is a high-growth technology company headquartered in Manassas, VA. 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.