Wind Panel testing at Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub
Greentech innovator Katrick Technologies will be testing the prototype of its revolutionary Wind Panel technology at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub located at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in Towcester, England.
The testing, which will take place from the 17th of August to 22nd, marks a crucial step in the development and validation of the Wind Panel, which has recently been validated at Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) by the University of Strathclyde.
Katrick Technologies’ Wind Panel is a novel innovation in wind power generation. The modular, flexible system has been attracting attention in the renewable energy sphere for its unique design and its ability to generate clean energy from turbulent low-level and ground winds. Rather than using rotary parts like a wind turbine, the panels use patented aerofoil technology to capture wind. The panels’ range of sizes means that they can be implemented in a wide variety of locations, including urban areas, without the limitations of traditional turbines.
The technology has recently reached TRL 5 status following validation by the University of Strathclyde, and the upcoming tests at Silverstone represent a significant leap towards achieving TRL 6 status, further validating the core intellectual property behind the Wind Panel. TRL 6 is defined by Horizon Europe as "technology demonstrated in a relevant environment", making this test a huge step in validating the effectiveness of this technology in its intended operational conditions.
During the testing phase, the team at Katrick Technologies will focus on understanding the aerodynamic performance of the Wind Panel by testing a single duct from the hexagonal panel. The test will specifically investigate the lift of the aerofoil and examine the relationship between the front and back aerofoils’ potential power generation. These insights are expected to enhance the overall design and efficiency of the Wind Panel, ensuring it can achieve optimal power generation levels in various wind conditions.
"This test is a major milestone in the development of our Wind Panel technology," said Vijay Madlani, CEO of Katrick Technologies. "The tests at Silverstone will allow us to gather critical data that will not only validate our core IP but also move us closer to commercialising a groundbreaking solution for sustainable and renewable energy generation."
Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub was chosen as the testing ground due to its world-class facilities for evaluating the Wind Panel's performance. Its wind tunnel will be used to carry out testing at a range of wind speeds and gather data, ensuring comprehensive and accurate results during the testing process.
Katrick Technologies is committed to revolutionising the renewable energy industry with its innovation, which has the potential to transform the way we harness wind power. Achieving TRL 6 will demonstrate the technology's readiness for commercial deployment, unlocking a greener and more sustainable future.