A manufacturer of two-blade turbines, New Zealand-based Windflow Technology, and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, have agreed to jointly develop, manufacture, and sell Windflow 500-kW lightweight, two-bladed wind turbines. General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, a worldwide supplier of satellite and wireless communication equipment, will manufacture and sell turbines to provide backup electricity supplies to customers in North and South America, Africa, U.S. territories, and global military bases.
The 10-year agreement provides cofunding for development of a 60-Hz version of the existing high wind speed (Class 1A) turbine, and a 500-kW version optimized for North American locations with lower wind speeds (Class 2A) also found in many other world locations.
“Windflow Technology’s 500-kilowatt turbines will serve customers who require an alternative energy source in addition to a connection to a power grid. Typical users might include manufacturing facilities, government complexes, colleges and universities, and military installations,” said Gary Kanipe, VP and General Manager of General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies. “Our company will provide engineering, field service, and maintenance support for wind turbines that will be manufactured at facilities in Longview and Kilgore, Texas.”
Windflow retains the rights for manufacture and sale of its turbine designs throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as worldwide rights in the application of its field-proven core technologies in multimegawatt turbines. The agreement also contains provisions to support Windflow in resuming turbine manufacturing in Christchurch and allows Windflow limited rights to supply Class 1A turbines into Hawaii and California. The company is working towards further partnerships and licensing opportunities.
Windflow Technology Ltd. www.windflow.co.nz
General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies www.gdsatcom.com
Filed Under: Turbines
