18 May 2020

Innovations with potential to reach the whole world

Skellefteå-based Linnovation works intensively with three innovations that are based on the same solution - knitted copper wire. Together with an integrated sensor technology, three prototypes have been made: a de-icing system for wind turbines and roofs, and a heating solution for an ambulance stretcher.

- I know that there is an incredible need for all these products, says inventor Kjell Lindskog.

For many, Kjell Lindskog is the man behind the successful safety bag SQS, which was subsequently bought by Norwegian Strongpoint. But with over 300 patents in his pocket, Kjell Lindskog is the innovator who always thinks innovatively. The knowledge and drive to find solutions to problems is great.

- Everywhere in our surroundings there are challenges that need to be solved, so when I hear about or see things that do not work, the brain starts buzzing. As I have many patents, the possibilities are great. This is a development company that will find its way. It's so big so this can't be left in a development company, the prototypes need to take the next step to become products and for that we need to find customers, says Kjell.

The underlying technology is partly sourced from the safety cases and led to SQS becoming Europe's leading player in this industry. Then the purpose was to prevent burglary in security bags - now it is to create heat.

Kjell is on the way to solve problems with ice getting stuck on the wind turbine's rotor blades. The solution will both detect and remove the ice and is so interesting that Skellefteå Kraft has entered into a partnership. For some years now, prototypes have been installed and tested on a turbine in Jokkmokksliden outside Malå. The ice causes the aerodynamics of the blades to change with reduced efficiency as a result. For ground personnel it also poses a safety risk if ice releases from the blades and are thrown away.

- We know that the solution works and that the rotor blades can be de-iced, but we have some challenges that we are in the process of rectifying. There is no easy thing about de-icing, in that case there should already be a solution to the problem, but we are well on our way, says Kjell.

The complicated technology with knitted copper wire that Linnovation has patented means that the temperature can be controlled, and the optimum basic temperature is five plus degrees.

- We have 22 panels on each rotor blade and because the speed of wind is different - 250 km/h at the outermost and 50 km/h at the innermost - the cooling varies greatly. This means that much more energy is needed to heat the rotor blade at the outermost point, but that effect is able to control the system itself, explains Kjell.

What is the potential for this solution?
- Yes, if I knew it, it's so big that you can't even count. But it is important for us to take the step from prototype to find customers and start manufacturing. This system also allows us to fix wind turbines in the winter, which would mean a lot for the power plants' production capacity and profitability, says Kjell.

Another product based on the same application is de-icing for, for example, roofs where snow and ice accumulate in the winter, which leads to water leakage. Here, a soft rug is rolled out with the knitted copper wire that causes the ceiling to heat up.

- The need exists in most industries where it is snowing and cold - the applications will be more and more because we have the basic technology. We build the panels ourselves and all machines as well because this is not possible to buy. The same solution is also applied to medical carriers used by ambulances to keep patients warm.

- The ambulance in Stockholm is already testing our prototype, but the corona-situation in Stockholm makes it difficult to conduct dialogue right now and that is understandable.

- We have also received the basic patent in the USA, Canada, China and seven countries in Europe, then I have more patent applications that are not ready yet and I do not want to talk about them, but there are many more applications that can be applied to the patent, says Kjell.


Read more about Linnovation here