UQM Technologies Inc. (Golden, CO) announced that it has received a $100,000 first-phase contract from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a power electronic inverter for distributed power. Power electronic inverters are used to convert dc output of power generation equipment such as solar panels and fuel cells to 110V/220V alternating current.
The company will be working with a number of leading suppliers of dc power generation products to develop specifications for this next generation of power inverters. The electronic inverters will be designed to operate over a wide input-voltage range matching the power characteristics of the generation source; incorporate a modular design allowing for easy adaptability to different power levels; be small, lightweight and highly efficient; and incorporate digital signal processing control for "plug-and-play" compatibility.
UQM Technologies' President and CEO William Rankin said, "This program will allow us to leverage our extensive experience in efficient dc power generation and small light-weight power electronics developed for application on board hybrid-electric vehicles into the ac marketplace. We expect to rapidly develop and commercialize a highly functional and cost-competitive modular power electronic inverter for applications ranging from several kilowatts up to 250kW. Currently, electronic inverters are difficult to install and use due to a lack of 'plug-and-play' compatibility, and have operating limitations in those applications where input voltages change across a broad range. This product is another crucial step in commercializing our proprietary technology in the stationary and mobile power markets."
