Wind energy blows into McMaster

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Wind-Turbine.jpg” caption=”Pictured with the wind turbine, left to right, are Samir Ziada, Nick Markettos, Gavin Simone, Kevin McLaren, Rafael Bravo (postdoc fellow), Stephen Tullis, Stephen Kooiman (back), Jetan Mistry (front) and Paula Claudino. Click here for FULL Size“]Canadians will soon have another energy alternative to help offset increasing utility bills while helping to address environmental concerns.

Commercial development of a new wind turbine for residential and commercial use is underway by Cleanfield Energy Corp., working in collaboration with McMaster University and the Ontario Centres of Excellence – Centre for Earth and Environmental Technologies.

The 2.5kW modular Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) features three, narrow, three-metre vertical blades that rotate around a central axis. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster is studying the performance of the turbine in urban wind conditions. Research is being conducted at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute facility in Ancaster followed by field trials at the newly established McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton.

“Cleanfield is delighted with the research collaboration that is taking place with the Ontario Centres of Excellence and McMaster University,” remarked Tony Verrelli, president & CEO of Cleanfield Energy Corp., the developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of proprietary renewable energy products. “McMaster's testing of our VAWT is crucial to our overall product development process and corporate objective of becoming a global leader in the residential and commercial wind turbine industry.”

Cleanfield Energy Corp. feels that with the rising costs of electricity and the increasing demands for power generation, the timing is right for commercial and residential wind turbines. By taking a proven technology and adapting it for widespread use, the pressure on the energy sector will be reduced while saving money for those forward-thinking companies and individuals who believe in renewable energy generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Cleanfield Energy is an example of the type of entrepreneurial company that will help lead the development of alternative energy sources needed to power our homes and businesses,” said Mo Elbestawi, dean, Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University. “Providing the university's expertise through collaborative initiatives such as this will help these companies bring their products to market faster while broadening our practical knowledge of the field.”

Funding for this research project comes, in part, from the Ontario Centres of Excellence – Centre for Earth and Environmental Technologies (formerly CRESTech) and private investors.

Michael Fagan, Director of Business Development, Centre for Earth and Environmental Technologies, Ontario Centres of Excellence stated, “This project contains two of the hallmarks of what OCE Inc. looks for in an investment – a clear commercial opportunity, combined with an academic / industry partnership that is willing and able to take the innovation outcome to the marketplace.”

Cleanfield Energy Corp. is a developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of innovative proprietary renewable energy products. The company has developed a modular Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) capable of producing reliable clean energy for residential and commercial markets. The VAWT is designed for both tower and rooftop installation. The wind turbine can provide homeowners and businesses with clean reliable electricity and savings on their utility bills.