H.M. Cragg Co. Deploys 1st GenCore® PEM Fuel Cell at MN Telecom Companies - Replaces Battery Backup Power with Clean, Cost Effective Fuel Cell Alternative
PEM Fuel Cell adoption rate is growing within MN Telecoms and Utilities thanks to the help of MN-based provider of quality power solutions, H.M. Cragg Co., 3M, Entegris, Plug Power and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) September 1, 2005 -- http://www.hmcragg.com/index-fuel-cells.html, H.M. Cragg Co.,
a MN-based provider of quality power solutions including proton exchange
membrane PEM fuel cells and uninterruptible power systems (UPS) and batteries,
today announced the successful installation of the GenCore® PEM fuel cell power
backup technology at Roseville-MN based FTTH Communications L.LC at their
Albertville-MN site.
The FTTH Communications installation of cost
effective and clean PEM fuel cell technology is a result of the collaborative
efforts of H.M. Cragg Co., the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Plug Power Inc.
and the cumulative energies of Minnesota-based 3M and Entegris.
FTTH
Communications was one of two telecom providers to receive a grant from the
Minnesota Department of Commerce which awarded grants to telecom providers
demonstrating interest and commitment to clean energy via deployment of a fuel
cell backup system.
H.M. Cragg Co. installed a five kilowatt 100 AMP fuel
cell system at FTTH Communications in Albertville-MN.
"PEM Fuel Cell
technology is the cost effective and clean power alternative of the future,"
said Paul Heggestad, H.M. Cragg, Co. president. "This is an important milestone
for H.M. Cragg Co. and for the telecom industry. It shows there is a viable
alternative for backup power that is cleaner, more reliable and ultimately more
cost effective."
The PEM fuel cell units are housed outside the FTTH
Communications facility and connected to a specially designed fuel storage
cabinet. Each cabinet contains six hydrogen cylinders which, in tandem, provide
up to 12 hours of clean backup power in the event of a "traditional" power
outage. Up to 4 fuel cell systems can be daisy-chained together for delivery of
additional kilowatts and/or longer run time.
The PEM fuel cell technology
uses software and a modem to communicate remotely with FTTH Communications
personnel. It can notify them of any alarm conditions such as low supply of
hydrogen gas or an electrical malfunction via email, BlackBerry® or
pager.
"I believe H.M. Cragg Co.'s installation of GenCore® PEM fuel
cells from Plug Power are a safe and economical way to provide backup power to
our point of presence in Albertville, we are very excited to be at the forefront
of this next generation technology," said John Schultz, General Manager for FTTH
Communications.
PEM fuel cells start at $20,000 plus installation, but
require little maintenance and emit only heat and water as bi-products. With
alternative battery backup power running at comparable costs, typically
requiring significant maintenance and complex disposal techniques, fuel cells
are quickly being adopted as the "right" energy alternative, especially in terms
of return on investment (ROI) for Midwest telecom and utility
companies.
To learn more about H.M. Cragg Co.'s PEM fuel cell
capabilities visit: www.hmcragg.com/index-fuel-cells.html.
About H.M. Cragg
Co.
H.M. Cragg Co. is a premier MN-based provider of quality power solutions
including PEM fuel cells and uninterruptible power systems (UPS). Products
include Anderson Connectors, C & D Technologies, Inc. batteries, Eaton
Powerware UPS and UPS batteries. More information about the company can be found
at www.hmcragg.com.
About FTTH Communications
L.L.C.
FTTH Communications is an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP)
providing voice, Internet and video services to residential developments in
Minnesota. FTTH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Contractor Property Developers
Corporation (CPDC), a leading developer of residential communities. This unique
partnership allows FTTH to provide communication services tailored to the
residential home user. Through its state of the art Switched Digital Headend
FTTH also provides wholesale video services for telephone companies, cable
companies and municipalities. For more information on FTTH Communications visit
our website at www.ftthcom.com.
About 3M – A Global, Diversified
Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things
happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they
can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch,
Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti.
Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's
67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in
major markets, including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics
and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care;
industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest
product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard,
Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M
Company.
About Entegris
Entegris is the global leader in materials
integrity management – purifying, protecting and transporting critical materials
used in high technology products, processes and services for some of the world's
foremost technology industries, including semiconductor, data storage, life
sciences and fuel cell. For more information, please visit www.entegris.com.
About
Plug Power
Plug Power Inc. is an established leader in the deployment of
clean, reliable, on-site energy products. More than 500 Plug Power fuel cell
systems have been delivered to customers worldwide in commercial, public sector,
telecommunications, utility and uninterruptible power supply markets. For more
information about how to join Plug Power's energy revolution as an investor,
customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit www.plugpower.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/9/prweb279542.htm