This U.S. Air Force (USAF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a thorough customer discovery effort to determine the feasibility of integrating Pecos Wind Power's distributed wind turbine (the PW85) within the USAF to promote resiliency and mission readiness. The PW85's technical differentiation is two-fold: the turbine is optimized for low annual wind speeds and utilizes an innovative tilt-up tower system for containerized shipping, rapid assembly, and crane-free installation. The two core advances will greatly expand the potential for onsite power production at installations, forward operating bases, and humanitarian aid projects. The Phase I effort aims to validate Pecos Wind Power's product-USAF market fit through customer discovery interviews, creation of a USAF product requirements specification, and acquisition of an MOU for a Phase II pilot project. The combined Phase I+II effort will provide a technical demonstration of the technology for further commercialization within the USAF and Department of Defense. In the non-defense sector, the PW85 will provide a low-cost alternative to commercial solar and utility provided electricity and, in doing so, will enable farms, businesses, schools, municipalities, and remote communities to generate their own renewable energy.
