iPower Technologies, L.L.C. and DTE Energy
Technologies to Introduce New Electrical Power Systems
ANDERSON, Ind., March 29 iPower Technologies, L.L.C. and
DTE Energy Technologies, Inc. have signed a development and supply agreement
to produce and market a new family of distributed generation systems. Terms
of the agreement call for iPower Technologies, L.L.C., a joint venture of
Delco Remy International, Inc. and AeroVironment, Inc., to design and
manufacture the efficient new stand-alone 75 kW and 150 kW electrical power
generating units and for DTE Energy Technologies to hold world sales and
marketing rights. They will be marketed as part of DTE Energy Technologies'
energy/now(TM) portfolio of distributed generation products.
These new energy/now(TM) systems combine a highly efficient engine and
electrical generator with sophisticated electronic controls to produce full-
time electrical power for small factories and businesses. In addition to
furnishing consumers with reliable, full-time, electrical power, the new
system may allow excess energy produced by the owners of the energy/now(TM)
system to be resold back to the traditional on-grid utility company.
Demonstration units will be available to the market in the Fourth quarter
of 2001, with full production beginning in the Second quarter of 2002.
According to Jack Combes, president of iPower Technologies, L.L.C., the
new units will be designed to meet the demanding output requirements for high
reliability and power quality with a long operating life and greatly extended
service intervals. Combes stated, "These newly designed systems are
highlighted by their high efficiency levels, continuous operation
characteristics and their flexibility to operate independently or in parallel
to the existing electrical grid."
DTE Energy Technologies has agreed to a major commitment of resources to
ensure that the market is well represented and serviced by professional
distribution channels. G. Paul Horst, President of DTE Energy Technologies
said, "We are excited about teaming up with iPower Technologies, L.L.C. on
these new products. Together we can serve world markets and introduce the
benefits of on-site power units to millions of existing customers and in
emerging nations which currently do not have adequate sources of electricity.
DTE Energy technologies will be providing full-time monitoring, control and
economic dispatch functions using its energy/now(TM) system operating center.
This service enhances the reliability of the utility grid and is transparent
to customers' operations," Horst said.
Delco Remy International, Inc., and AeroVironment, Inc., of Monrovia,
California, formed the new Anderson-based company, iPower Technologies LLC, in
January of this year to pursue emerging opportunities in the distributed
generation and hybrid electric vehicles markets.
Distributed generation is the on-site generation of electrical power for
home and industry. Hybrid electric vehicles use both a traditional combustion
power source and an electric motor to drive the vehicle.
iPower Technologies, L.C.C. will develop a portfolio of products and
technologies for distributed generation applications including the 10kW
QuickTurbine, high-efficiency permanent magnet generators and power
electronics. For hybrid vehicle systems, iPower Technologies, L.L.C. will
provide development support for Delco Remy's previously announced partnership
with A.G Continental on the integrated starter alternator damper system. In
addition, the company will focus on automotive hybrid traction motors and
advanced power electronics. In addition to these products, the company will
also provide systems integration services for both markets.
Thomas J. Snyder, President and CEO of Delco Remy International, will
serve as chairman of iPower. "The world's demand for electrical power is
increasing faster than the utility industry's ability to create supply,"
Snyder said. "iPower Technologies, L.L.C. is positioning itself to address
this demand. Hybrid vehicles are appearing now as the best answer to
maximizing fuel economy while minimizing automotive pollution concerns," noted
Snyder.
The target market for iPower's distributed generation products are
facilities requiring power output of 10kW to 200kW, such as high-end
residential, commercial and light industrial installations. This includes
hotels/motels, apartment complexes, nursing homes, schools, supermarkets and
restaurants.
The new company has extensive relations with a network of R&D firms to
provide a source for new technology. iPower Technologies, L.L.C. will utilize
the relationships already existing at Delco Remy among the global automotive
industry and with AeroVironment's historic customer base. "iPower
Technologies' strategic plan is to apply similar technologies to both the
distributed generation and hybrid vehicle markets in parallel. Distributed
generation products will be first to market," stated Combes.
Founded in 1971, AeroVironment is a closely held company with most of its
capital stock owned by employees. General Motors Corporation holds 5% common
equity interest in AeroVironment.
The company has coordinated much of its research and development jointly
with its customers, including the Department of Defense, NASA and several
public utility companies and vehicle manufacturers. Some of AeroVironment's
projects have included the GM SunRaycer solar powered car; the GM Impact
electric car; the Gossamer Condor, the first human powered airplane; Gossamer
Albatross and the Helios solar powered aircraft.
In addition to its experience in the field of environmental and vehicle
research, AeroVironment holds a significant library of intellectual property
relevant to electrical power management technology. It has created three new
businesses from its proprietary intellectual properties which are focused on
broadband communications, rapid battery charging and distributed energy
generation.
According to Tim Conver, President and CEO of AeroVironment, Inc.,
"Electrical power rationing in California and other states underscores the
need for alternative energy sources that are cost-effective and
environmentally friendly. iPower Technologies, L.L.C. is strategically
positioned to capitalize on this growing need with highly efficient systems."
AeroVironment's research in hybrid/electric vehicle systems has yielded
several breakthroughs in efficiency of electrical generation. These include
Fuel Cells, Microturbines, Battery Technologies, Grid-Connected Power Controls
and Electronics, and the QuickTurbine, AeroVironment's proprietary micro-
turbine technology.
DTE Energy Technologies is a diversified high-technology company offering
a broad range of products and services to solve the energy-related challenges
of commercial, residential and industrial customers. Among these are
energy/now(TM) energy systems that provide both on-site and standby power. DTE
Energy Technologies' parent company, DTE Energy, is an $11 billion (assets)
diversified energy company involved in the development and management of
energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its principal operating
subsidiary is Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million
customers in Southeastern Michigan. More information can be obtained at DTE
Energy's Website, http://www.dteenergy.com .
