Satcon Introduces First Hybrid Fuel Cell Energy System
Satcon Technology Corp. announced that it has partnered with FuelCell Energy Inc. and Enbridge Inc. in the production of a new, multi-megawatt hybrid energy system for natural gas pipeline operations in Ontario Canada.
The new product, named the Direct Fuel Cell-Energy Recovery Generation (DFC-ERG™) system, aims at generating ultra-clean electricity, while recovering energy normally lost during natural gas pipeline operations. The system combines a 1.2MW Direct Fuel Cell power plant from FuelCell Energy with a 1MW unfired gas expansion turbine. Satcon’s 1.2MW Fuel Cell Power Conditioning System is the enabling link between the fuel cell and utility grid. Operating at natural gas pipeline letdown stations, the system can generate 2.2MW of clean electricity, or enough power for approximately 1,700 residences. The system is also the first multi-megawatt commercial fuel cell to operate in Ontario.
"Our involvement in this project demonstrates the demand for our industry-leading megawatt-class inverters for fuel cell applications," said Steve Rhoades, President and Chief Executive Officer of Satcon. "As the leader in large scale, utility grade renewable energy conditioning, Satcon was chosen because of our experience in both industrial power distribution and advanced utility scale solutions. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Enbridge and FuelCell Energy on this project, which is a major step toward the commercialization of fuel cells."
Enbridge has ordered FuelCell Energy’s new up-rated 1.2MW DFC power plant to ensure product integration is complete in time to meet the needs in emerging markets in Ontario, Canada, and Connecticut, as well as other U.S. states.
