« Six Predictions for Web 2.0 | Main | Eutube Launched On YouTube »
July 02, 2007
ChapDrive Funded For New Wind Turbines
The new backers of ChapDrive, a Norwegian startup that has developed a hydraulic gearbox for wind energy turbines, sent us the news today that the startup has raised €2.25M from NorthZone Ventures, Hafslund Ventures and Statoil New Energy.
ChapDrive's technology - it has a patented system for hydraulic transmission that it is currently testing in the field - aims to replace mechanical gearboxes. It was founded in December 2006 to commercialize research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
An example of a turbine but not one with ChapDrive's tech in it.
The investors say that ChapDrive's technology will 'enable lower weight and more cost efficient wind turbines by reducing weight in the nacelle [the unit of a wind turbine that houses the engine and components, according to windpower.org where we snagged the nearby image of a nacelle too], simplify installation and reducing operation and maintenance cost'.
The potential to reduce maintenance cost and downtimes due to mechanical problems is a benefit, as a lot of windparks are offshore and in hard to reach places.
No website yet for ChapDrive but you can read a bit about it here: Norway Tech Transfer
Posted on July 2, 2007 06:09 AM | Posted to News And Updates | Permalink
