Under the terms of this preliminary agreement, TopLine Energy will provide assistance with engineering and planning of Cyclone's WHE-25 model, and manufacture pre-production prototypes of these units starting immediately.
Given the acceptable completion and review of this first stage, TopLine Energy will position itself as the "Preferred Manufacturer" for Cyclone's operating subsidiary Cyclone-WHE LLC, for mass production of these engines.
The media release also revealed initial-planned uses for the Cyclone WHE-25 will range from industrial and vehicular waste heat recovery, to generation from waste fuels such as used motor oil, to other similar renewable power applications.
"This is a monumental arrangement for Cyclone," stated the company's CEO, Harry Schoell. "By TopLine providing its vast experience, facilities and resources to further the development of our technology, we can expect a more robust, durable with an expedited trajectory towards commercialization."
TopLine is a 30+ year-old company, and is currently one of the largest manufacturers of automotive after-market parts in the United States. It supplies over 50% of the market.
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, TopLine Automotive has operations throughout the world. Topline Energy's primary home, though, is a new, state-of-the-art 300,000 sq. ft. facility in Brooksville, FL. This Florida plant, only a few hours from Cyclone, is dedicated to the development and production of distributed and products like the Cyclone engine.
"We have been following the remarkable progress of Cyclone for over two-years now, and we determined that the time is right to throw our hat into the ring," stated TopLine's CEO, Chet Staron. "This technology has the potential to be revolutionary, not only in renewable power systems, but also the transportation sector where our contacts run deep. We are very pleased to help Cyclone on their path to commercial success."
Cyclone Power Technologies is the developer of the award-winning Cyclone Engine - an eco-friendly external combustion engine with the power and versatility to run everything from portable electric generators and garden equipment to cars, and locomotives.
Invented by company founder and CEO Harry Schoell, the patented Cyclone Engine is a modern steam engine, ingeniously designed to achieve high thermal efficiencies through a heat-regenerative process, and to run on virtually any fuel - including bio-diesels, syngas or solar - while emitting fewer greenhouse gases and irritating pollutants into the air.
A modified version of the engine will be making an attempt at breaking the land speed record for steam-powered later this summer.
Team Steam is attempting to become the fastest steam powered car on earth, a record set in 2009 by the British "Team Inspiration" at 148mph. Cyclone's 100hp Mark V external combustion engine will power the Team Steam land speed record (LSR) car in its record breaking attempt, scheduled for later this year. The powerful, compact Cyclone engine boasts very low emissions and can run on virtually any fuel, including 100% bio-fuels or multi-fuel mixtures.
"ATL is a big supporter of racing and LSR teams," stated David H. Dack, the company's Vice President of Sales. "With the Cyclone-Williams vehicle and Team Steam, we are also supporting new technology with important environmental benefits, including true fuel flexibility. This is a goal that fits well with our broad line of robust fuel cells."
Engineering model of the Cyclone-Williams streamliner
ATL's fuel cells dominate the ranks of nearly all professional racing series, including NASCAR Sprint Cup, FIA Grand Prix Formula 1, GT Endurance, Off-Shore Boats, WRC Rally and Sprints. Their non-exploding tanks are also used in mining vehicles, off-road construction equipment, military vehicles and police cars. Like the Cyclone engine, ATL's fuel cells are designed to accommodate virtually all fuels from high-octane gasoline to E100 and bio-diesel.
"We thank ATL for their support of our record breaking attempt and their commitment to advancing clean energy technologies like the Cyclone engine," stated team leader Chuk Williams.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for corporations and individuals who want to participate in this attempt at automotive racing history.