SatCon Technology Introduces PowerGate 100, GridLink 8 and CellPack 48

SatCon Technology Corp. (Cambridge, MA) announced the introduction of three new standard power-conversion products for the distributed power market. The systems convert dc electricity to ac electricity to enable distributed power generation using fuel cells, microturbines and wind generators.

The first of the new products, the PowerGate 100, is a combination of power chip switches and controls that converts variable dc power into ac power. GridLink 8, the second new product, is a utility interface controller that allows a power generation source to operate in grid-parallel or grid-independent modes. The last new product, CellPack 48, is an energy-storage device that handles peak loading for the power generation source.

“The introduction of our PowerGate 100, GridLink 8 and CellPack 48 as standard products for distributed power conversion is an important expansion of our power electronics and energy storage and back-up power device business," said David Eisenhaure, SatCon's president and CEO. “What's particularly exciting about these systems is their configuration in rack-mountable sizes, a necessary step in the overall commercialization process. We're already taking orders for these systems and we believe there are some near-term distributed power opportunities for these products in several applications. We believe these products may also enable fuel cell systems to become available more quickly."

Eisenhaure added, “Our standard power conversion system combines the PowerGate 100, GridLink 8 and CellPack 48 into one rack that is smaller than a residential dishwasher, a significant advantage in reducing cost. We believe our standard product line will meet the needs of almost any power generation source from microturbines to fuel cells, solar and wind generators. In addition, we will also continue to build custom power conversion products for customers in need of such a system."