Danotek Motions Technologies has received a $200,000 seed fund investment from NextEnergy and Automation Alley for the development of technology that improves wind turbine motors.
The specific technology that Ann Arbor-based Danotek is currently developing is a variable speed generator that is based on permanent magnet technology. Jeffrey Green, Danotek's director of sales and marketing, explains the significance of that innovation: "With other turbines, the developer has to put in different types of gearing to utilize the wind and you don't have to do that with our type of technology." The motor can be integrated into any type of wind turbine.
Founded in 2001 by president Daniel Gazow, Danotek first developed the brushless motor magnet solution --the foundation of its wind turbine motor technology-- for the automotive and health industries. But the technology found other alternative energy applications such as hydro turbines and CHP (Combined Heat and Power) systems, in which a single building's excess heat is converted to energy.
Wind turbines typically operate under two scenarios: grouped by hundreds into a wind farm whose wholesale electricity is generated for use on the grid or individually, providing power to a single end-user like a school or institution. Danotek is developing different sized generators to account for these differing needs.
As for the technology's potential end-use here in Michigan, Green says that is up to the state. "It depends on how aggressive Michigan is in terms of the alternate energy sector." He goes on to say, "I am hopeful that Michigan gets as aggressive as it possibly can. Wind is a good source of energy and it's good for the environment. And, Michigan needs to diversify its economy."
The prototype is expected to be ready for delivery to turbine developers this summer.
Source: Jeffrey Green, Danotek
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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