WEICan and BRI Energy Solutions Ltd. Sign Contract for "Testing Leading to Certification" for the Vbine 5kW Wind Turbine

May 19, 2010

WEICan and BRI Energy Solutions Ltd. (BRI) are pleased to announce the signing of a contract for testing leading to certification for BRI's Vbine 5 kW vertical axis wind turbine. With delivery expected this summer, to WEICan's North Cape site, both companies are looking forward to collaborating on the testing program. WEICan will conduct tests for power performance, duration, safety, and acoustics emissions in accordance with IEC 61400-2: Design Requirements for Small Wind Turbines and American Wind Energy Association Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard. It is BRI's intention to use the test results in an application to the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) for certification of their wind turbine.

The mission at VBINE ENERGY is to demonstrate leadership and action in the community by developing an economical green energy, taking advantage of the power in the prevailing winds and the updraft created by existing structures. The VBINE ENERGY Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) can be mounted on to the exterior of chimneys (stacks), communications towers and other existing infrastructure. The Vbine is a new concept in electricity generation that will help fill the demand that industry has for power. The VBINE PMG takes advantage of the horsepower created from the combination of updraft and prevailing wind around a cylinder. The VBINE Energy VAWT is a ring-shaped generator that can be retrofitted to encircle any cylinder. It rotates around the structure with the aid of wind-catching blades. For more information visit VBINE ENERGY.

The Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) is a not for profit independent research and testing institute which is mandated to promote the development of wind energy across Canada and has been doing just that since 1981. It's location at North Cape with 300 degree exposure to the Gulf of St. Lawrence is unique in Canada and offers: average wind speed of 8.2 m/s at 50m height and low turbulence; a highly corrosive harsh marine environment; and icing events during winter months. WEICan has expanded its client base and broadened its mandate to focus on four strategic areas: 1) Testing Leading to Certification; 2) Research, Development, and Demonstration; 3) Training, Outreach, and Public Education; and 4) Technical Consultation, and Assistance. WEICan has been working with the small wind turbine community to develop and implement testing protocols that will assist the industry develop its sales to the general public. To this end it has adopted rigorous testing protocols in accordance with international standards. With its existing range of small wind turbines, WEICan can provide a proof-of-concepts test bed for new technologies and develop a testing program to validate technologies viability.

WEICan contact for additional information:
Karen Kinch
Office 1-902-882-4126