VAN NUYS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, and Phoenix Contact, a leading manufacturer of industrial automation, interconnection and interface solutions, announced today the completion of the new family of PowerSync controllers used for Capstone microturbines.
Phoenix Contact and Capstone have been conceptualizing, developing and qualifying the new microturbine controllers over the last three years in a joint effort to improve on-site controls and integration with end-use customer facilities.
The main objectives of developing the new PowerSync controller line were to further increase system reliability, availability and make Capstone microturbines easier to use for both end-user customers as well as Capstone distribution partners.
The new controller line is based on Phoenix Contact’s AXC 3050 PLC, and further increases the reliability and availability of the Capstone microturbines by utilizing a self-healing Ethernet ring to eliminate single points of failure in its control network. The new controllers also provide seamless transfer capabilities, ensuring the end-users’ loads do not experience any interruption to their operation in the event of a utility power outage. The new PowerSync controllers include algorithms to maximize overall system efficiency and adjust the operation of individual microturbines to align with their predicted scheduled service dates. The PowerSync controllers are intuitive, easy to use, provide for secure remote communications, and can be customized to integrate with site-specific balance-of-plant equipment.
Phoenix Contact not only helped to develop the new PowerSync controller but also uses a Capstone C1000 microturbine at its facility in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The C1000 is a combined cooling heat and power (CCHP) installation, utilizing a 5,000-BTU heat exchanger and a 300-ton absorption chiller. This enables Phoenix Contact to utilize the thermal energy from the exhaust for the building’s hydronic heating loop, providing heating and cooling to the facility. The C1000 will also reduce their emissions by over 3,100 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to removing 2,200 cars from the road for one year. The site won the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in 2015 for its efficiency and innovation.
“The new PowerSync line of controllers improves the overall performance and reliability of our innovative clean and green microturbine systems. In addition, they are simpler to program and more intuitive to use for our distributors and end-user customers lowering the amount of time required to commission a complete CHP or CCHP system,” said Darren Jamison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone. “Phoenix Contact has proven to be a great development partner for Capstone as well as a successful customer,” added Mr. Jamison.
“Since we installed the Capstone C1000 in 2014, we have cut our energy bill by about $300,000 per year, but just as importantly, we are eliminating a huge amount of emissions,” said Jack Nehlig, President of Phoenix Contact USA. “We are excited to be part of Capstone’s latest solution so that other facilities can reduce their carbon footprint and see energy-saving results just as we have,” added Mr. Nehlig.
About Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact develops and manufactures industrial electrical and electronic technology products that power, protect, connect, and automate systems and equipment for a wide range of industries. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 50 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, PA.
For more information about Phoenix Contact or its products, visit http://www.phoenixcontact.com or call technical service at 800-322-3225, e-mail info@phoenixcon.com.
About Capstone Turbine Corporation
Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST) is the world's leading producer of low-emission microturbine systems and was the first to market commercially viable microturbine energy products. Capstone has shipped over 9,000 Capstone Microturbine systems to customers worldwide. These award-winning systems have logged millions of documented runtime operating hours. Capstone is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power Partnership, which is committed to improving the efficiency of the nation's energy infrastructure and reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. A UL-Certified ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified company, Capstone is headquartered in the Los Angeles area with sales and/or service centers in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is used in the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "objective," "intend," "targeted," "plan" and similar phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties described in Capstone's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may cause Capstone's actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in such statements. Capstone cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Capstone undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
"Capstone" and "Capstone Microturbine" are registered trademarks of Capstone Turbine Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
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