"Viryd`s advanced and efficient drivetrain technology delivers on the promise of small wind, and will help solidify the United States as an industry leader in wind turbine development," said Viryd CEO John Langdon. "We`re excited for the opportunity to demonstrate our technology on the national stage and are looking forward to working with IIT and DOE to foster development and enable small-scale wind to become a major contributor to the country`s renewable energy mix."
The consortium marks the second government-funded testing grant awarded to Viryd this year. Currently, testing is underway at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on its Viryd 8000 8-kilowatt turbine, which features NuVinci® continuously variable planetary technology (CVP) licensed from Fallbrook Technologies, Inc.
NuVinci technology is a universally adaptable continuously variable transmission for human- and motor-powered vehicles and machines. The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.
Viryd`s drivetrain promises to increase energy generation, lower costs and boost small wind system reliability through the use of NuVinci technology.
As part of the IIT-led consortium`s research, one Viryd 8000 turbine will be installed on campus, and another delivered to IIT`s engineering laboratories, where it will undergo reliability testing to monitor performance at different wind speeds and with varying degrees of wind turbulence. The consortium`s research will focus on several key issues facing the wind industry, including advanced concepts for rotor and drivetrain control.
Viryd`s turbines improve energy capture by controlling the rotor to optimize its Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) at all wind velocities. The Viryd design also eliminates the need for expensive power electronics and inverters, instead allowing for the use of an economical and reliable generator that connects directly to the utility grid.
The consortium is funded by the American Re-investment and Recovery Act, and includes several research universities, wind energy developers and other wind turbine companies including GE and Accionia Wind Energy USA and Honeywell.
Viryd is a clean-technology manufacturing and development company dedicated to improving the performance and production of energy from wind turbines. Created initially as a subsidiary of Fallbrook Technologies Inc., Viryd became an independent company in 2007. Viryd`s initial products include innovative wind turbine drivetrains and complete small wind turbines based on Fallbrook`s patented and award-winning NuVinci® technology. Viryd is headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas. To learn more about Viryd, please visit www.viryd.com
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) is a technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment. Fallbrook`s revolutionary NuVinci® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to virtually any machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and wind turbines, among others. NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.
Fallbrook`s extensive portfolio of over 325 patents and patent applications worldwide has been recognized as the industry leader for the automotive and transportation industry segment. Fallbrook`s vigorous research and development activities will continue to enhance the performance and capabilities of NuVinci technology. To learn more about Fallbrook and its NuVinci technology, please visit www.fallbrooktech.com.
