Beginnings
In late 2010, Michael Blaize established X-Wind Power Limited in the UK with the objective of producing an innovative 2-bladed vertical axis wind turbine for the medium wind market. Previously Michael had had 15 years’ experience in product development within Formula-1 motorsport, automotive, aerospace and large wind. Immediately prior to starting X-Wind he was the Design Director for Vestas Wind Systems and led the engineering team who brought to market the largest onshore and offshore wind turbine blades for the company. The key milestones in the development of our technology were as follows:
Timeline
Early 2010
Early aerodynamic concept development.
Jul 2011
Simulations demonstrate merit of technology and readiness for prototyping.
Oct 2011
First customer expresses interest in technology and purchase of first 4 turbines.
Feb 2012
X-Wind wins Technology Strategy Board (TSB) grant to develop its first 6kW prototype.
Sep 2012
Completion of first round of X-Wind investment.
Nov 2012
Completion of detailed design of the prototype 6kW turbine (VX-6)
Jan 2013
Tooling for the 6kW prototype is completed.
Feb 2013
X-Wind wins TSB Innovation Voucher to investigate complementary storage solutions.
Feb 2013
X-Wind wins DECC Renewable Entrepreneurs Fund.
Apr 2013
Largest UK energy user expresses interest in the technology & supports DECC Project.
May 2013
First 6kW prototype tested at West Medina Mills, Isle of Wight.
Aug 2018
Intellectual property and patent rights for X-Wind’s technology acquired by Australian entrepreneur and international business man Gary Andrews.
Oct 2018
VAWT-X Energy Pty Ltd registered in South Australia.
Partner History
VAWT-X ENERGY wishes to acknowledge the group of partners that supported the initial developer of our technology, to create and prove the efficiency of its two-bladed air-foil design.
Award History
The potential of the innovative technology now owned by VAWT-X Energy was clearly demonstrated on multiple occasions when it won the following highly competitive grant competitions in the United Kingdom:
Technology Strategy Board – Awarded 03-02-2012
Smart R&D grant for development of prototypes
Technology Strategy Board – Awarded 19-02-2013
Innovation Voucher
Department of Energy and Climate Change – Awarded 25-02-2013
Energy Entrepreneurs Fund
