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 Ada-MN based Loretel Systems, Inc. at their central office
in Glyndon-MN.
The Loretel Systems 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.
Loretel Systems
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 Loretel Systems Central Office in Glyndon 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 Loretel
Systems 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 Loretel Systems technicians.
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 Glyndon central office as
well as other central office sites in the future," said Steven Katka, VP &
General Manager, Loretel Systems, Inc.
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 fell 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 Loretel Systems
Loretel
Systems, Inc. with headquarters in Ada, Minnesota, has been providing
telecommunications services to customers in northwestern Minnesota and eastern
North Dakota for over 100 years. In addition to local and long distance calling
options, Loretel Systems also offers digital subscriber line (DSL) technology
and cable TV services to communities in and around its telephone exchanges. For
more information about Loretel Systems, please visit www.loretel.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
about Entegris, 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 http://www.plugpower.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/9/prweb279544.htm