Nebraska-based Northstar Endeavors has contracted IntelStor for services that will assist Northstar in commercialising its segmented wind turbine tower.
IntelStor, a provider of intellectual property brokerage services, will pursue a technology license or asset acquisition agreement with a technology commercialisation partner.
According to Northstar negotiations are already underway with interested parties, including tower vendors, wind turbine producers as well as engineering, procurement and construction contractors in multiple countries.
Northstar claims developers that use its towers can realise total cost reductions of between 31-48% for a reference tower with hub heights of 120-160 metres, versus a steel tube tower or concrete and steel tube hybrid tower of the same hub height.
Northstar president Jeff Willis said: “We’re pleased to be partnered with IntelStor on this project, and this technology has been developed for more than a decade and proven through the installation of a prototype.
“Our DNV GL certified design for a hub height of 80 metres allows us to serve as a bankable, verifiable option for the next decade of global wind energy growth.”
Northstar has designed its tower for factory pre-assembly in segments reducing logistics costs as the segments can be delivered to the project site on standard flatbed trucks instead of long hauler heavy vehicles, which often require special permits.
According to Northstar logistics costs can be 50-80% lower when using standard flatbed trucks.
Installation costs are also reduced using segmented towers, as the pre-fabricated tower segments are simpler to move around and do not require construction personnel to be suspended at height to complete any fittings.
Additionally, the tower base diameter can be expanded by 6-8 metres depending on hub height.
This wider base allows for better loads distribution and less material usage, which can lead to a cost savings which is upwards of 12-18% versus a conventional conical steel tube tower of the same height.