Ilika plc
("Ilika" and the "Company")
New Partnership with Wind Turbine Manufacturer in China
Ilika to deploy StereaxÒ solid state batteries for condition monitoring of wind turbine blades
Ilika (AIM: IKA), a pioneer in solid-state battery technology and materials innovation, announces a partnership to deploy StereaxÒ solid state battery powered devices for the condition monitoring of wind turbines with Titan Wind Energy, the largest manufacturer of wind turbine products in China.
The deployment will be part of a two-year collaborative project with the Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Titan Wind Energy, with expert support from Chester University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA). The £1.0 million development project is supported by Innovate UK funding of £0.4 million. The Chinese partners will receive similar funding from Jiangsu Province.
Wind energy is one of the leading renewable sources to replace fossil fuels. China and the UK together contribute ca. 40% of the world's 500 GW wind power capacity. However, the ever-increasing operation and maintenance costs have become a critical constraint for the sustainability of wind energy growth. The primary objective of this project is to develop an integrated smart sensor powered by a combined vibration harvester and a StereaxÒ battery, to be incorporated into the composite structure of wind turbine blades. The smart composite will be able to perform autonomous structural condition monitoring of the blades, to detect the early signs of damage and enable predictability in maintenance scheduling and prevent the icing of the blades. This will ensure operational efficiency, whilst also self-sustaining the power supply of these functionalities without the need for battery replacement.
Business Development In China
In addition, the Company has appointed Lou Ming, as business development officer with responsibility for driving future collaborations and commercial partnerships in China.
Mr. Ji Jun, President of Titan Wind, stated; "We are very excited about the opportunity of using Ilika's StereaxÒ solid state battery technology in the globally significant market of wind turbine blade condition monitoring."
Commenting on this grant award, Graeme Purdy, Ilika CEO, said; "This partnership is expected to bring about a step change reduction in the operating costs of wind turbines, which is of paramount importance in sustaining the economic viability of wind energy. In China, growth of industrial applications for Internet of Things (IoT) solutions such as this one is outstripping consumer IoT. We are delighted to be working with our esteemed Chinese collaborators and look forward to a long and rewarding partnership."
For more information contact:
Ilika plc |
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Graeme Purdy, Chief Executive |
Tel: 023 8011 1400 |
Steve Boydell, Finance Director |
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Numis Securities Limited |
Tel: 020 7260 1000 |
Oliver Cardigan/ Paul Gillam / |
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James Black |
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Walbrook PR Ltd |
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Paul Cornelius |
Mob: 07866 384 707 |
Lianne Cawthorne |
Mob: 07584 391 303 |
About Ilika
Ilika plc (LON: IKA) is a pioneer in materials innovation and solid-state battery technology. The Company has been inventing new materials for energy and electronics markets for over a decade, including in automotive, aeronautical and electronic components sectors. Global brands such as Rolls Royce and Toyota collaborate with Ilika's development teams to create innovative products or improve the performance of existing components. By applying that heritage of patented materials invention, the Company has developed ground-breaking solid-state batteries to meet the specific demands of a wide range of applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Ilika is now licensing its battery technology IP to partners for IoT sensors for the Smart Home/Building; Medical; Automotive and Transportation sectors around the world. Ilika's StereaxÒ battery technology IP family offers compelling advantages over conventional lithium ion batteries, including: smaller footprint (energy density), non-toxic properties, faster charging, increased cycle life, low leakage and reduced flammability. Ilika is working to help build the connected world, removing the constraints of energy source for designers and engineers by delivering 'fit once and forget' power wherever it is needed. The company is headquartered in the UK and has operations in the USA and Japan. Find more information at www.ilika.com
About Titan Wind Energy
Titan Wind Energy (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. engages in the research, design, manufacture, and distribution of wind towers worldwide. The company distributes its towers to the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Romania, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, and Outer Mongolia, as well as other parts of the world. Titan Wind Energy (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Taicang, China.
