Ilika (IKA) announced on Tuesday it managed to successfully integrate its Stereax® solid-state battery into condition monitoring sensors placed on a test wind turbine blade at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult facility in Blyth, UK.
The solid-state battery technology firm partnered with the Universities of Chester and Aston to design and construct a self-powered wireless sensor device which uses harvested energy from the vibration of the blade to increase battery life.
Ilika said the tests confirmed the durability of the sensors in hostile environments, yielding useful data such as the best section of the blade to collect optimal wind-induced energy.
The energy harvested from the vibrations of the blade can charge its Stereax® M250 solid-state battery, powering condition monitoring sensors and long-range low power wireless communication.
Shares in Ilika were trading 10.26% higher at 43p on Tuesday
"Everyone at Ilika and our partners is really pleased with the success of this trial to evaluate data collection and energy harvesting" said Ilika CEO, Graeme Purdy.
"This condition monitoring concept can be applied to many different situations in large, diverse market segments, where structures are exposed to repeat stresses. Examples include aeroplanes, boats, buildings and bridges."
The test also confirmed theoretical models showing that enough energy can be harvested from wind to charge a Stereax M250 sufficiently to enable full sensing and data transmission cycles every 10 minutes.
The company said this allows for real-time condition monitoring information of possible issues such as crack formation or component failure, which can enable turbine blades to be fixed before incurring costly downtime and repair costs.
In October last year, Ilika was awarded the Green Economy Classification and Mark by the London Stock Exchange Group.
The award is for companies that generate over 50% of total revenues that contribute to the global green economy.
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