In addition, for the first time, an array of tidal kites is in operation – the 1.2 MW D12 and one 100kW D4, adding valuable production data for array build-out. The data being generated underlines commercial readiness of Dragon Class systems and the continued testing supports both critical sales activities and preparations for product delivery.
Early February 2024, the 1.2 MW powerplant – Dragon 12 – was successfully installed and commissioned at the site in Vestmanna, Faroe Islands. This has resulted in an ongoing three-month period of testing and electricity production, generating valuable results and data to underline commercial readiness of Dragon Class technology at commercial scale.
Notably, real test data from the commercial scale D12 is now available to customers and is used to show autonomous functionality, product performance, and service interval analysis.
"With the generated test data at hand, we can now conclude that Dragon Class is ready for batch production to bring the first tidal energy arrays to life," said Dr. Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.
Moreover, the large Dragon 12 (1.2 MW) is accompanied by a smaller Dragon 4 (100kW) in the Vestmanna strait, which means that two systems are installed and grid-connected in parallel. The world's first mini array of tidal energy kites is in operation.
Operating two systems in parallel contributes to new ways of verification and learning in core areas, such as kite-park design, product range modularity and performance optimization.
Minesto plans to continue electricity production and testing as an integral part of the ongoing commercial roll-out agenda. The purpose of the continued testing is three-fold: continue to demonstrate the competitive advantage of Dragon class technology, secure capability to deliver commercially viable products, and push performance to further expand the exploitable market.
"It is both satisfactory and vital to see that the February installation of Dragon 12 has resulted in a three-month period of successful production testing," said Edlund.
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