Model 3.1 Undergoing pre-operational testing at the Wind Energy UL Testing Facility in Texas

After extensive work by the project manager, Jeff Willis, and electrical engineer Mark Chang, our prototype turbine in Texas began its pre-operational testing this week. The tests started just in time for CEO Kevin Wolf to be there and observe the key last pre-operational step. When it came time to perform the “extreme conditions braking test,” Chang discovered a problem when he put the turbine’s brake system through this high torque event.

The solution we found is elegant and brings the brake design system for our commercial turbine (expected spring 2022) to this prototype. We will implement it after Thanksgiving. The turbine has already gone through most pre-operational testing. Once started, it will begin generating energy and producing data to validate our computer modeling.

Overall, the testing sequence was a success and a tribute to the engineering team.

The challenges we have encountered through this prototyping phase provided invaluable information that we have incorporated into the evolution of our turbine’s design and has better prepared us for our 2022 commercial rollout.