26 April 2006 -- FT Technologies, based in Teddington, south west London, developed the anemometer based on a patented acoustic resonance principle. “It allows the wind sensor to have different qualities. It is much smaller than competing products, easier to test in wind tunnels and easier to test for temperature resistance,” said Peter Elgar, MD of FT Technologies.
The biggest market for the device is for wind turbines, in which European countries are investing. Elgar says Germany is currently the biggest investor in wind turbines, with Spain, Denmark and gradually the UK catching up with the renewable energy form.
Other sectors using the anemometer are defence, meteorology, shipping and civil engineering. The firm is considering taking its device into the yachting market as well.
“The immediate future is taking it to the leisure market for yachting. It is a smaller and lighter sensor than what is available now,” said Elgar, who previously worked for Analog Devices.
FT’s anemometer has a diameter of about 50mm and is about 140mm high.
The firm is growing on the success of its technology and has doubled staff in the last 18 months. “We are still looking for staff in manufacturing and engineering,” said Elgar.
The device is currently manufactured in the UK by subcontractors but the firm would consider taking manufacture overseas if it takes off in the yachting market, where there is potential for greater volume.
In the longer term, the firm is looking to develop a device based on the same technology that will monitor fluid flow. Elgar reckons FT Technologies could have a product ready for this market in 18 months.
The two Queen’s Awards were for enterprise and for innovation.
