Monday, September 26, 2005

Energy

American Superconductor helping Canada build a super electric bus

Westborough's American Superconductor Corp., a maker of alternative electricity systems, has received a new order from Hydrogenics Corp., a fuel cell developer and manufacturer in Mississauga, Ontario, for three PowerModule PM1000 power electronic converters.

The new order follows Hydrogenics' initial trials with American Superconductor's PowerModule PM1000 Developer Kit. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The PM1000 power converters will be used in the propulsion system for a full-size, forty-foot transit bus to be initially demonstrated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The bus will be the first in Canada to be powered by a hybrid configuration of fuel cells and ultra capacitors. American Superconductor's PM1000 power converters will manage and regulate electricity produced by the fuel cells and will regulate power for the bus's electric drive system. The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2006 and is being funded in part by the Government of Canada.

The operation of the PM1000 power converters will be coordinated with Hydrogenics' proprietary system controller through high speed Controlled Area Network (CAN) communications.

American superconductor's stock opened the day at $10.90, down three cents from yesterday's close.