SatCon ships next-generation power conversion system

By Control Engineering Staff June 11, 2002

Cambridge, Mass. – SatCon Technology Corp ., announced June 5, 2002, that it has shipped a next-generation StarSine 250-kW power conversion system (PCS) to Siemens Westinghouse for use with Siemens’ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) development. A previous unit was shipped last fall and another PCS is due for delivery during the next quarter. The SOFC project-under development in a cooperative agreement between Siemens Westinghouse and the U.S. Department of Energy-targets the stationary distributed power generation market.

An overall system consists of Siemens’ SOFC, SatCon’s StarSine PCS, and a gas turbine, which combine to supply “high-efficiency energy at extremely low emission levels,” according to SatCon. The system will generate electrical power as well as heat; and is sized for commercial-building-sized application such as offices, malls, hospitals, or industrial complexes.

David Eisenhaure, SatCon president and ceo, considers this delivery especially important for his company because the latest units represent “newer generation PCS products and were designed for higher efficiency, . . .[indicating] a further step in the maturity and commercialization of fuel cells.” The SatCon-Siemens approach recognizes that standard utility-grid delivery of electric power cannot meet the “always-on” demands of businesses today, explains Mr. Eisenhaure.

Power Systems is one of three Business Units of SatCon Technology Corp., a leading manufacturer and supplier of power and energy management products. Besides power converters/conditioners (such as StarSine PCS), Power Systems’ product line includes utility interfaces, uninterruptible power-supply systems, and power electronics/quality systems.

Control Engineering News DeskFrank J. Bartos, executive editor fbartos@reedbusiness.com