SatCon to Build Fuel Cell Power Converters for Northwest Power Systems
20 January 2000
SatCon Technology to Build Fuel Cell Power Converters for Northwest Power Systems
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--Jan. 20, 2000--SatCon Technology Corporation(R) , a leader in power and energy management products, announced today that it will build fuel cell power converters for Northwest Power Systems of Bend, Oregon. The SatCon power converters will convert DC electrical output from Northwest Power's fuel cell systems into useful AC electrical power. Northwest Power Systems is a subsidiary of IDACORP Technologies. IDACORP is the parent company of Idaho Power, IDA-West Energy and IDACORP Technologies. IDACORP Technologies spearheads IDACORP's research, development and marketing efforts in renewable energy technologies including photovoltaic and fuel cells. IDACORP Technologies manages IDACORP's several alternative energy subsidiaries including Applied Power Corp., Ascension Technologies, Alternative Energy Engineering Inc., Solar Electric Specialties and Northwest Power Systems."We are pleased to be working with Northwest Power Systems on their fuel cell power generation system," said David Eisenhaure, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe the alternative energy market is just beginning to grow as the need for environmentally cleaner and more reliable sources of computer grade energy becomes more in demand. Fuel cell power generation, either for residential or commercial use, represents a clear alternative to the utility grid, emissions associated with power generation, and increasing customer concerns over service interruptions and voltage fluctuations. We're also pleased that our progress in developing smaller, lower cost, efficient DC to AC power converters is being recognized by a growing number of fuel cell manufacturers. We are supplying several fuel cell manufacturers with our converters through our new division, the Advanced Fuel Cell Products Division in Marlborough, Massachusetts. In addition, we are working on power converters that can be used in alternative fuel vehicles, including fuel cells, at our Power Electronics Products Division in Maryland."
Northwest Power Systems manufactures and sells patented PEM fuel cell components, subsystems and fully integrated systems. Their products include automated fuel processors that convert conventional fuels (methanol, propane, kerosene, diesel and natural gas) into hydrogen; PEM systems rated 1 to 10 kilowatts; and, power conditioning for stationary and portable fuel cell systems."
SatCon Technology Corporation manufactures and sells power and energy management products for power generation, telecommunications, manufacturing, factory automation, aircraft, satellites and automotive applications. SatCon has seven operating divisions: Advanced Fuel Cell Power Products manufactures and sells power conversion products for fuel cell power generation systems; Film Microelectronics, Inc. designs and manufactures microelectronic circuits and interconnect products; Magmotor manufactures servo-motors and magnetic suspension systems; Ling Electronics manufactures test equipment, power products, amplifiers and controllers; Beacon Power manufactures flywheel energy storage devices; SatCon Electronic Power Products manufactures power converters for microturbines; and the Technology Center is responsible for new technology and product development. For further information please visit the SatCon Technology Corporate Website at http://www.satcon.com.
Statements made in this document that are not historical facts or which apply prospectively are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. It is important to note that the Company's actual circumstances could differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's filings, including but not limited to the 10-K and 10-Q. Copies of those filings are available from the Company and the SEC.