WindStream deploys TowerMill technology for first time in Bahamas

US-based WindStream Technologies has launched its TowerMill technology in Nassau, Bahamas, which is designed to provide energy on a continuous basis to power all of the electronics for the tower’s full functionality.

The TowerMill product is based on company’s patented SolarMill renewable energy technology.

Designed to provide autonomous power to telecommunications towers globally, the TowerMill uses wind and solar energy to charge a battery bank.

Claimed to be failsafe, the TowerMill has a fuel-based generator set as a last resort back-up if the batteries cannot provide the required power.

The Bahamas pilot has a hybrid capacity of 10KW and is installed where there is no available connection to the utility grid.

WindStream VP of Business Development Rolf Simmonds said: "We are elated to expand our core applications of the SolarMill and deepen our product penetration with our clients.

"High energy costs and diesel fuel prices, in particular at greater than $4.50 per gallon in The Bahamas, are critical challenges facing mobile service carriers, in maintaining service reliability to their customers. The TowerMill as a clean energy solution meets these challenges head on.

"With greater than 20 similar off-grid telecom towers in The Bahamas, all driven from costly diesel generators and an estimated more than 640,000 worldwide, the TowerMill presents a unique opportunity for the Company as way for owner/operators all over the world to reduce cost and provide consistent energy to a device that must achieve 100% uptime for reliability sake."

The wind resources in combination with solar energy in The Bahamas create the opportunity to recharge batteries up to 24hrs daily as well as to improve energy availability and customer reliability.

Apart from reducing noise and air pollution from the onsite generator, the need for daily refueling is substantially eliminated.

Walker Industries, a certified solar energy provider in The Bahamas, will be responsible for integrating the TowerMill with the cell tower equipment later this week.

Walker Industries general manager Ralph Walker said: "We are extremely excited to partner with WindStream on the installation of the TowerMill. We see this installation as a bold step in revolutionising the renewable energy landscape in The Bahamas."