Cleanfield CEO Tony Verrelli said, "All the leading-edge work we’ve done with the help of McMaster’s engineering expertise and the OCE’s financial support since 2005 is paying off by making an Ontario made product globally competitive. The sophisticated testing and technical modifications to the blades, struts and shaft have further established our V3.5 as a leading, high performance product. Cleanfield’s V3.5 is capable of performing well on rooftops or on ground mounted towers, thereby reducing property owners’ dependence on utility grid electricity. Cleanfield continues to see an increase in the adoption of its V3.5 around the world."
Dr. Stephen Tullis, leader of the research project and Assistant Professor at McMaster said, "The project team has achieved several key improvements to the V3.5. It is now much better structurally, and we have raised the power curve – increasing wind power performance by approximately 50% from that of Cleanfield’s previous commercial turbine – as measured in large-scale wind tunnel tests. With Cleanfield’s control system, the wind turbine can operate with low vibration and very low noise levels which are practically unnoticeable."
Cleanfield Chief Technology Officer Mihail Stern added, "We have a resonant frequency band skipping algorithm that protects against detectable vibration and sound for various rooftop applications, which further differentiates our technology in the marketplace. This translates into smooth and quiet rotation of our turbines in urban settings. For example, within the auditorium of Mohawk College, directly below two of our rooftop VAWTs, neither vibration nor sound is perceptible on a windy day."
"Having been involved with Cleanfield and McMaster for almost five years, it’s so encouraging to see this collaboration produce an ever-improving technology that is poised to make an impact on the growing global clean energy market," said David Choat, OCE’s Interim President and CEO, "This shows what can be achieved when you bring together a top academic research institute with a dynamic company."
About Cleanfield’s V3.5 system: The V3.5 system consists of a VAWT, sensor board and inverter, which have been developed as a fully integrated offering, which distinguishes it from competitor VAWTs. The V3.5’s many customized features enable the complete system to be optimized for maximum efficiency, reliability, safety and life expectancy. The turbine is equipped with a sensor/communication interface board that monitors vibration, generator temperature, ambient temperature, wind speed and turbine RPM. The board provides the inverter the necessary feedback for optimum control and safe turbine operation. The turbine inverter is designed with a custom algorithm for direct control of its permanent magnet generator. In generating mode the control algorithm allows variable speed operation by closely following the power curve of the turbine. A unique feature in small wind systems is the topology and capability of Cleanfield Inverter to control turbines equipped with induction generators.
Cleanfield’s proprietary inverter technology and customized, permanent-magnet generator have received Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification in the US, and the Wind Energy Institute of Canada is testing Cleanfield’s VAWT and the test results will be submitted to the Small Wind Certification Council.
About OCE: Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc. drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario’s industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. OCE’s Centres work in communications and information technology, earth and environmental technologies, energy, materials and manufacturing and photonics. OCE is funded by the government of Ontario and is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda. OCE through its Centre for Commercialization of Research (CCR), an initiative supported by the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada, also acts as a catalyst which allows innovative businesses to grow and achieve sustainable, commercial success and global competitiveness.
About McMaster University: McMaster is one of four Canadian universities listed in the Top 100 worldwide, and is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 23,000 and more than 140,000 alumni in 128 countries.
About Cleanfield Alternative Energy Inc.: Cleanfield is committed to developing renewable energy products primarily for the urban environment. The Company produces an industry leading VAWT, which can be installed in various ways, produces green renewable energy quietly and cost effectively and is sold worldwide. Cleanfield also provides purchase financing to qualified customers, and is developing solar photovoltaic products for commercialization.
