Kansas City, Kan. – October 14, 2026 -- Skystream Energy is testing a new wind turbine blade with a larger swept area and a custom blend of wind tunnel-tested airfoils, aimed at higher energy output across a wider range of wind conditions. A prototype is installed at a test site in Iowa, where the company is collecting performance data.
Blade targets light and turbulent winds with a larger swept area
The design builds on the existing Skystream platform. Its larger size increases the swept area, the total area covered by the rotating blades, so the turbine can capture more energy from available wind. Raising output at lower wind speeds is one of the blade's primary objectives.
The airfoil blend is intended to capture energy more efficiently in light and turbulent winds and to give the turbine better control of output at higher wind speeds. The design is also expected to reduce turbine noise.
Skystream says the blade may benefit retrofits at existing sites where wind conditions have historically limited energy production.
Consultant Kyle Wetzel and dealer Todd Hammen shape the design
Wind energy consultant Dr. Kyle K. Wetzel of Wetzel Wind Energy Services, who has designed blades for both large and small wind applications, collaborated on development. Todd Hammen of Iowa Energy Alternatives, LLC worked with Wetzel Wind Energy Services on the blade design and is supporting prototype testing at Iowa Energy Alternatives in Iowa. Hammen has worked with Skystream technology for more than 20 years through dealership, contract and direct employment roles.
"Customers continue to look for ways to generate more of their own energy across a wider range of wind conditions," said Ryan Loiacono, General Manager of Skystream Energy.
Specifications, timing and availability remain unannounced
Testing will let Skystream quantify the improvements and set final performance specifications. The company has not disclosed production timing or commercial availability, and says both will be announced after development and testing are complete.
The existing Skystream 3.7 remains available for distributed wind projects. Skystream turbines have been deployed worldwide in residential, agricultural, commercial, educational and community applications, as well as remote and hybrid microgrid systems.