KEY POINTS:
New Zealand wind turbine maker Windflow Technology is optimistic about grabbing a decent slice of the domestic market for wind turbines and the even more buoyant global market.
Chief executive Geoff Henderson said: "I'm conceited enough to believe our technology is world beating."
Windflow expects the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to finish checking the turbines by the end of the year and is hopeful of certification early next year.
When achieved, Henderson believes Windflow may be the first in the world to get Class 1A certification under the latest standard covering strong winds.
"IEC certification opens up the market that much more because it's a big tick in the minds of your average wind farm developer who wants that sort of reassurance."
The company now has six turbines installed, including five at the Te Rere Hau wind farm in the Tararuas. Those are operated by the company it spun off, NZ Windfarms, in a joint venture with global wind energy investors Babcock & Brown and NP Power.
Windflow's windmills are smaller, lighter and cheaper, 47m tall versus the 118m turbines Meridian is installing at its Makara, Wellington site.
The two blade turbine allows lighter construction and less strain on the shaft, gearbox and tower foundation. Windflow believes its patented gearbox is more robust, compact and cost effective than other designs.
Windflow uses a synchronous generator which is standard in the power industry but rare in the wind industry. Synchronous generators avoid the need for complex and costly power connection equipment.
Windflow is conducting a one for four rights issue, raising $5 million initially and then $5.5 million in September. The 800 Windflow shareholders will be given priority.
Henderson, who owns 11 per cent of Windflow, said the company planned research and development work on different variants of the turbine, including developing one for the US market that runs at 1800rpm rather than 1600 in New Zealand.
It will build a prototype machine in the US. It also needs further funding to develop a wind diesel prototype that will work in small island communities.
Windflow has moved into a new factory in Christchurch where it has stepped up production to five turbines a month and staffing will rise from 33 to 40. It has orders from Te Rere Hau for 44 turbines worth $30 million.
The prospectus notes the joint venture would like to assess the operating history of the first five turbines before committing to the balance to complete the farm.
- NZPA
