ABOUT US

ChapDrive AS is a spin-off company of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. Research and business development was initiated in 2004 by leading Norwegian and UK scientists when they developed the idea of a unique hydraulic transmission for wind turbines. The technology was developed over several years and a 50 kW model was laboratory tested at NTNU. The business concept was developed at the Technology Transfer Office at NTNU, and ChapDrive was founded in December 2006.

In 2007, NorthZone Ventures, Hafslund Venture and Statoil Venture entered into an investment agreement with ChapDrive enabling the company to continue developing and testing the technology with a 300 kW test rig, a 225 kW wind turbine and a 900 kW wind turbine. The 900 kW wind turbine was a pilot project supported by the Norwegian governmental body ENOVA and served as commercial scale verification. 

In 2008 and 2009 the structure of ChapDrive was further developed, key staff was added and the management team strengthened by the employment of a CEO and a CTO both having substantial experience from the wind turbine industry.

In 2010 ChapDrive entered into an investment agreement with existing investors and the new investors Viking Venture and Investinor committing NOK 86 million (EUR 11 million) for further development of the technology. This enabled ChapDrive to complete a conceptual 5 MW design project by the end of 2010 supported by Statoil and the Norwegian government body Innovation Norway.

In 2010 and 2011 additional key staff was added strengthening hydraulic drivetrain capability and further increasing knowhow in the area of wind turbine design, control system design, and hydraulic pump/motor design.