News

Active Power Successfully Operates CPS System Prototype

May 23, 1999 by Jeff Shepard

Active Power Inc. (Austin, TX) reports that it has successfully operated a prototype of its continuous power system (CPS), which uses a high-inertia turbine. The high-inertia turbine rotor in the CPS weighs less than 20 pounds and is a fully integrated flywheel/motor-generator/turbine. It is capable of delivering 6kW of power for a minimum of eight hours. The company claims that in repeated tests, the CPS system consistently performed to its design specifications.

“By successfully demonstrating a prototype of our CPS product, we have passed the most critical phase of the development program," said Joe Pinkerton, CEO of the company. “This represents a significant milestone that will result in the extension of Active Power's product line into several new high-growth markets."

Target applications for the new CPS system include backup power for wireless bases stations, small data centers and broadband communications, as well as distributed generation for small business and residential customers. First customer delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2001.