ChapDrive develops a hydraulic transmission for wind turbines, which replaces the mechanical gear box in a conventional wind turbine and reduces the cost of energy.

According to a report identifying 50 leading cleantech companies in the Nordic market, the generator in the wind turbine can then be moved down from the top of the turbine to the ground. This reduces the top weight for a 5 MW wind turbine by approximately 50%, and enables an optimal operation of the wind turbine with improved reliability, power quality and efficiency.

About ChapDrive

ChapDrive is located in Trondheim, Norway and was founded in December 2006 based on research from The Department of Energy and Process Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The company develops a patented hydraulic transmission system for wind turbines.

ChapDrive recently completed a successful funding round of NOK 52 million (€6m) to develop a 5 MW hydraulic transmission based on field test results from ChapDrives 225 kW and 900 kW prototype turbines. The main investors are NorthZone Ventures AS, Hafslund Venture AS and Energy Capital Management AS (StatoilHydro´s Venture Fond).

Global CleanTech 100 companies were selected by a judging panel comprised of major exchanges, advisory groups, industry leaders, financiers and venture firms.