UQM Technologies To Supply Fuel Cell Compressor Drive To Ecostar

Autoparts Report, Feb 23, 2001

UQM Technologies, Inc. said that it has been selected by Ecostar Electric Powertrain and Power Conversion Systems to supply fuel cell compressor drive motors. The motors are a component of the auxiliary motor and control system designed and integrated by Ecostar.

"Our selection by Ecostar to supply compressor drive systems for Ford's and DaimlerChrysler's next generation of fuel cell vehicles is the culmination of a nearly two year development collaboration with Ecostar. The combination of our expertise in highly efficient motors and Ecostar's expertise in system design, integration and inverter electronics has resulted in our selection as a supplier by the world leaders in fuel cell engines," said William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies.

"This joint development with UQM Technologies has resulted in an auxiliary motor and inverter system designed specifically to meet very demanding power, weight and package size requirements of fuel cell engine vehicles. We are pleased to have UQM Technologies as a supplier," said Ross Witschonke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecostar.

Ecostar said its auxiliary system powers and controls the compressed air system of the fuel cell engine. Virtually all fuel cell engines use an air transfer system to facilitate the chemical reaction inside the fuel cell that leads to the production of energy. The air transfer system uses a compressor driven by an electric motor that consumes a portion of the electricity produced by the fuel cell to enable the fuel cell's operation.

Improvements in the efficiency of fuel cell auxiliary systems improve the overall energy output of the fuel cell engine, Ecostar said. Automobiles powered by fuel cell engines, use the energy in the fuel almost twice as efficiently as a gasoline engine and are virtually silent and environmentally friendly.

Ecostar Electric Drive Systems was formed in 1998 and is part of the fuel cell alliance between Ford Motor Co., Ballard Power Systems and DaimlerChrysler. Ford owns 62 percent of Ecostar, while DaimlerChrysler and Ballard own 17 percent and 21 percent respectively.

Ecostar is the primary development center for the alliance's power electronics and electric drives.