SatCon Technology Introduces PowerGate Fuel Cell Power Conversion System With New GridLink Utility Grid Interface
5 June 2000
SatCon Technology Introduces PowerGate Fuel Cell Power Conversion System With New GridLink Utility Grid Interface
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--June 5, 2000--grid-independent and grid-parallel mode.
SatCon Technology Corporation(R) (Nasdaq NM:SATC), a leader in power and energy management products, today announced the introduction of its PowerGate(TM) Power Conversion System with the new GridLink(TM) Utility Grid Interface for fuel cell distributed power generation systems. The new GridLink(TM) Interface allows fuel cells to operate just like "plug-in" appliances and will enable them to operate seamlessly in a grid-independent or grid-parallel mode. The new GridLink(TM) Interface will be sold as part of SatCon's PowerGate(TM) Power Conversion Systems, which are designed to handle load requirements up to 50kW. The PowerGate(TM) System, including SatCon's new GridLink(TM) Interface and a SatCon MicroGrid(TM) Controller, convert low voltage DC power from fuel cells into useable AC power. The PowerGate(TM) system with the GridLink(TM) Interface is modular and multiple units can be "stacked" to handle higher load requirements. It can also operate with microturbines, generators and other distributed power generation systems.
Commenting on the new product, David Eisenhaure, SatCon President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We believe our new GridLink(TM) Interface solves several problems for fuel cell distributed power generation systems. We did some of our own analysis on the true requirements of a residential power generation system and came up with several key features that we have incorporated into our PowerGate(TM) System. First, we think the GridLink(TM) Interface may eliminate future regulatory issues with tying into the utility grid. Our GridLink(TM) Interface is designed to pull power from the grid like any simple plug-in appliance. Since it does not pump electricity back into the grid, there may be no need for regulatory approval for its use, an issue that has been of concern to fuel cell developers. Second, it allows the fuel cell to operate both grid parallel and grid independent, a combination that increases the effectiveness of a fuel cell power generation system. Thirdly, because we can pull power from the grid during peak loads, we can eliminate many of the daily battery discharge cycles that reduce the life of the battery back-up systems. This allows the batteries to be saved for use only when there is a power outage from the utility grid. This could increase battery life from a year to several years. Also, based on our analysis, we have designed our new PowerGate(TM) Systems to accommodate a wide range of power requirements from small to large loads. The overall system is designed for 50kW with an average operating range of 3kW to 10kW. This allows the fuel cell to accommodate a wide range of installation requirements as well as allowing it to operate during such occurrences as an overloaded circuit breaker without losing power to the entire house. The PowerGate(TM) system can be easily integrated into any manufacturers distributed power generation system and, with SatCon inside, we believe PowerGate(TM) with our new GridLink(TM) Interface can be a key component to the successful market introduction of residential sized fuel cell power generation systems."
SatCon Technology Corporation manufactures and sells power and energy management products for distributed power generation, telecommunications, silicon wafer manufacturing, factory automation, aircraft, satellites and automotive applications. SatCon has three operating segments that contain six divisions. Under the Electronics Products segment, Advanced Fuel Cell Power Products manufactures and sells power conversion products for fuel cell and other power generation systems and Film Microelectronics, Inc. designs and manufactures standard and custom microelectronic circuits and interconnect products. Under the Motion Control Products segment, Magmotor manufactures standard and custom high-performance motors and magnetic suspension systems and Ling Electronics manufactures shaker vibration test equipment, power converters, amplifiers and controllers. Under the Contract Research and Development segment, SatCon Electronic Power Products performs contract research and development for power electronics and the Technology Center is responsible for new technology and product development. Our affiliate, Beacon Power Corporation, is developing flywheel energy storage systems for uninterruptible power and power quality management. For further information, please visit the SatCon 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. Among the important factors that could cause the Company's actual circumstances, or results, to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements include market conditions, market acceptance of new products, changing regulatory issues, developments in the Company's business and industry and difficulties in developing technology enhancements. 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.