Capstone Completes Stand-Alone 60 kW Microturbine

Diesel Progress North American Edition, August, 2001

Capstone Turbine Corp. said it has completed its first stand-alone 60 kW microturbine power system "This is a very important functionality," said Dr. Ake Almgren, president & CEO of Capstone Turbine. "This system is able to start itself with its integrated energy storage system. So the Capstone 60 car operate independent of any electric grid. Automatic dual-mode switching between the grid-connected mode and standalone mode is also possible with this configuration."

Capstone's 30 kW model 330 systems have had this functionality for nearly two years, the company said. Capstone, Chatsworth, Calif. introduced the 60 kW microturbine in September 2000. The Capstone 60 was originally specified as having an electrical efficiency of 26 percent ([ or -]2 percent) at ISO conditions. Having now tested a larger sample, the company has increased its rating to 28 percent ([ or -]2 percent).

"One of the primary benefits of an onsite, stand-alone power system is the assurance of a reliable source of electricity, whether or not the grid is available, experiencing a rolling blackout, or down due to severe weather or other conditions. With stand-alone and dual-mode functionality, the Capstone 60 is now able to provide this benefit to a very broad range of energy users," Almgren said.

Almgren said the first stand-alone unit will be one of a "six-pack" of standalone Capstone 60s that will be deployed by the company's UK. distribution partner, Advantica.

Advantica Technologies Ltd., formerly BG Technology Ltd., is part of the recently formed Lattice Group of energy, telecommunications, property reclamation and related infrastructure businesses. Advantica reportedly plans to install the six-unit MultiPac system at a hotel development. Heat from the systems will be used for water heating, laundry and space heating at the hotel via Advantica's MiniGen combined heat-and-power (CHP) system.