EEDA - Case Study - Cambridge University and local business take innovative technology to the next level

Cambridge University and local business take innovative technology to the next level

EEDA's Impact > Cambridge University and local business take innovative technology to the next level

Cambridge University and local business take innovative technology to the next level

Cambridge company develops new wind turbine technology working with Cambridge University
Support provided through EEDA’s Innovation Voucher Scheme.

Wind Technologies is a specialist engineering company focusing on energy conversion technologies including generators, power electronics converters and associated control and monitoring systems for the wind turbine industry.

The company, founded in 2006, was spun out from Cambridge University Engineering Department, and is based in St John’s Innovation Park, Cambridge”

Ehsan Abdi of Wind Technologies applied for an EEDA Innovation Voucher to help develop a new technology for domestic wind turbines.

Having accessed the voucher, they worked with Cambridge University Engineering Department to design a solution to an innovation challenge within their business in the form of a new 1.5 KW brushless generator.

This new technology now promises significant commercial opportunities for domestic wind turbine applications.

Of the project, Ehsan says:

"The beauty of the innovation voucher is that it is easy to access and gives access to hard to come by expertise. The application process was really straightforward and the benefit of working with one of the UK's top Universities was invaluable. We developed a sophisticated new technology and furthermore, a good working relationship with the University. We are confident this will continue beyond the life of the voucher and benefit us in years to come."

Since using the voucher, Wind Technologies reports that the project has progressed significantly. They now have a test rig with a prototype machine operating. Engineers are performing tests and assessing the performance of the new technology. The next step will be to put it in a wind turbine to obtain real data.

The Innovation Voucher scheme is open for applications. Find out more here.

Innovation Vouchers are free of charge for businesses and provide access to specialist consultancy from a university or institute to help resolve innovation-related business challenges.

2 September 2010