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SatCon Wins Army Vehicle Auxiliary Unit Power Contract

SatCon Technology Corporation (SATC) has been awarded a Phase I SBIR contract with the US Army to develop an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for military tactical vehicles. As the US Armed Forces transition to “more electric” technology for mobile mission systems, the existing fleet of tactical and support vehicles are increasingly limited by the available on-board vehicle power (OBVP). The SatCon APU can be configured as a standalone unit or geared to the main engine, employing either liquid or air-cooling. The APU combines a high speed permanent magnet (PM) generator with a novel power circuit and controller design that provides 270VDC, 28VDC, and 120VAC power ports. This topology affords compact packaging for more practical implementation as a flexible OBVP solution. The baseline configuration is targeted as a 4kW APU for the Abrams tank. The same technology is applicable to generator sets providing a competitive advantage over existing solutions for Tactical Quiet Generator (TQG) sets in the Mobile Electric Power (MEP) and Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources (AMMPS) programs. As a dual-use opportunity, this technology is also applicable to providing auxiliary power outlets on hybrid electric commercial and passenger cars and trucks. SatCon’s President & Chief Operating Officer, Millard Firebaugh stated, […]

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Capstone Products Receive GSA Approval

Capstone Turbine Corporation’s Capstone-branded products have been approved by the General Services Administration (GSA) and are now on the GSA Schedule. “As a result of our continuing efforts to place Capstone MicroTurbine products into large market potentials, we have now created an avenue for the sale of Capstone-branded microturbine products to the U.S. government,” said Capstone CEO John R. Tucker. The GSA approval provides the opportunity for federal end-user customers to negotiate and acquire products and services from commercial suppliers. Capstone has been approved on the GSA Schedule for five (5) years, from January 1, 2006, through January 1, 2011. “We are the only microturbine manufacturer to be awarded this important U.S. government procurement approval,” Tucker said. “The GSA acts as a catalyst for nearly $66 billion in federal spending. That’s more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars, so this approval unlocks another important market sector and opportunity for clean, efficient, secure and cost effective Capstone-branded onsite energy solutions.” Website: [sorry this link is no longer available]     

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Patagonia Installs Sharp Solar Electric System

The Patagonia clothing company is working toward its goal of becoming energy self-sufficient with the installation of a 66.6-kilowatt (kW) Sharp solar electric system at its Ventura, California headquarters. The system incorporates 360 185-watt Sharp panels on three custom-built carports erected in the parking lot. The structure produces an amount of energy equivalent to the energy used in approximately 60 California homes during peak usage periods and also shades cars during the day. “Patagonia demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment through its use of clean energy technologies and with the installation of a solar system, it will now be able to fulfill some of its own power needs,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Sharp’s Solar Energy Solutions Group. “This system will provide twelve percent of the power for its headquarters, while the carports will provide much-appreciated sheltered parking for employees.” Patagonia utilizes various forms of renewable energy, including solar electricity and wind power for its facilities worldwide. In 1996, Patagonia incorporated a 5-kW solar system into its Reno, Nevada distribution center. Realizing that solar is the most viable form of renewable energy when it comes to supporting its corporate energy efficiency goals, Patagonia has plans to expand the system […]

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Patagonia Installs Sharp Solar Electric System

The Patagonia clothing company is working toward its goal of becoming energy self-sufficient with the installation of a 66.6-kilowatt (kW) Sharp solar electric system at its Ventura, California headquarters. The system incorporates 360 185-watt Sharp panels on three custom-built carports erected in the parking lot. The eye-catching structure produces an amount of energy equivalent to the energy used in approximately 60 California homes during peak usage periods and also shades cars during the day. “Patagonia demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment through its use of clean energy technologies and with the installation of a solar system, it will now be able to fulfill some of its own power needs,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Sharp’s Solar Energy Solutions Group. “This system will provide twelve percent of the power for its headquarters, while the carports will provide much-appreciated sheltered parking for employees.” Patagonia utilizes various forms of renewable energy, including solar electricity and wind power for its facilities worldwide. In 1996, Patagonia incorporated a 5-kW solar system into its Reno, Nevada distribution center. Realizing that solar is the most viable form of renewable energy when it comes to supporting its corporate energy efficiency goals, Patagonia has plans to expand the […]

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