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Fuel Cells News
September 1, 2005
H.M. Cragg Co. Deploys 1st GenCore® PEM Fuel
Cell at MN Telecom Companies
Source: PR.Com
Albertville, MN, 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.
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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.
Contact Information
H.M. Cragg Co.
Jolina Pettice
952-400-0349
jpettice@misukanisodden.com
www.hmcragg.com
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