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Woodward To Supply Fuel System and Controls for Miniturbine

14 November 2000

Woodward To Supply Fuel System and Controls for Miniturbine; Expands Energy Control Technologies for Distributed Power Generation Market

    ROCKFORD, Ill.--Nov. 13, 2000--Woodward Governor Company announced today that its Industrial Controls business group signed an agreement with DTE Energy Technologies to supply the fuel system for the ENT-4000 mini gas turbine. The miniturbine is targeted for distributed power generation applications for small to medium commercial and industrial customers and micro-grids serving both residential and commercial development projects. This agreement is founded upon the Letter of Intent for development of the fuel system.
    The project team, led by DTE Energy Technologies in Farmington Hills, Mich. is incorporating a Pratt & Whitney Canada ST-5 engine and Turbo Genset Co. Ltd. generator/power electronics. Woodward will be integrating a fuel system that includes a patented metering valve and control system for accurate flow control at a very low cost compared to conventional turbine control systems.
    Industrial Controls Vice President Tom Gendron said, "We are very excited to be working with DTE, a leader in distributed power generation. This system will provide excellent performance to reduce emissions and improve efficiency at mini/microturbine cost requirements. Our energy control systems strategy covers many types of power equipment, including microturbines and fuel cells."
    Woodward's small industrial engines product line encompasses engine management systems and components for high-speed reciprocating engines and gas turbines, primarily less than 300 hp (224 kW). Woodward's Microturbine and Fuel Cell Team has been focused on applying these technologies on new distributed power products. John Emery, fuel cell and microturbine controls product manager at Woodward, said, "By combining the strength and experience of Woodward's proven controls with our high-volume components, we can provide fuel cell and microturbine manufacturers unmatched performance at an economical cost."
    Murray Davis, vice president of DTE Energy Technologies, said, "We are pleased to have Woodward on the ENT-4000 team. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on industrial turbine controls and fuel delivery systems that strengthen our team."
    The first development engine is scheduled to run in early 2001 with production starting in 2002.