BEND, OR -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/08/2006 -- IdaTech, LLC, a global fuel cell solutions developer and manufacturer, today announced it has satisfied all testing requirements and received ANSI/CSA America FC 1, Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems (FC 1) certification for two products in the company's ElectraGen(TM) family of backup power solutions; the ElectraGen(TM)3 and ElectraGen(TM)5 systems. FC 1 is the most current and comprehensive standard for certification of stationary fuel cell systems and therefore is the standard used by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) and CSA. IdaTech's solutions are among the first Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems in the 3 kWe and 5 kWe range to achieve certification to the FC 1 standard.
The FC 1 certifications for the ElectraGen(TM) systems were given by CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services. With the addition of the FC 1 certification to the ElectraGen(TM)3 and ElectraGen(TM)5 products, IdaTech is poised to accelerate its deployment in North American markets. Certifications such as this and the CE mark (required for European sales) are key milestones, as they enable sales under internationally recognized safety and quality standards.
CSA International FC 1 certifications are based on successful completion of a series of tests designed to meet essential requirements on appliances including gas, mechanical, electrical and software safety, as well as demonstrate a quality manufacturing process for these systems. As part of the certification process, IdaTech complied with UL 1741 and UL 1998 requirements -- tests for power electronic and software safety respectively.
IdaTech's ElectraGen(TM) backup power systems are designed for critical backup power needs ranging from about 2 kW to 15 kW, and provide a cost-effective alternative to valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries. These PEM integrated hydrogen fuel cells systems are designed to provide more than 10 years of reliable power with very low annual maintenance requirements. In the event of grid failure, the ElectraGen(TM) systems immediately sense power loss to provide a seamless transition to power critical loads for telecommunications, utilities or server applications. Operating on fuel from industrial hydrogen cylinders, the ElectraGen(TM) systems are capable of providing critical backup power. When paired with IdaTech's ElectraGen(TM) XTR Module, a fuel reformer developed to convert liquid fuel into pure hydrogen as needed to avoid bulky and costly onsite storage, the backup power systems are capable of providing backup power run times of days or weeks.
"The FC 1 certification of the ElectraGen(TM)3 and ElectraGen(TM)5 systems is significant because it enables the commercial distribution of IdaTech's critical backup power systems in North America to a number of end markets to further accelerate the market penetration of these systems," said Claude Duss, IdaTech president and chief executive officer. "Having achieved this level of certification advances the ElectraGen(TM) backup power systems' commercial readiness and differentiates IdaTech's product in the market."
About IdaTech
IdaTech's fuel cell solutions are based on a flexible modular design, supporting interchangeable components, which enables IdaTech to accelerate product development incorporating proven components and subsystems into customized configurations. Additionally, IdaTech's fuel cell solutions incorporate its patented fuel processing technology and operate on a variety of fuels.
IdaTech's portfolio of fuel cell solutions is based on its proprietary multi-fuel fuel processing technology, its own fuel cell stack and power module, and fuel cell system integration capabilities. With the support of strategic partners, the company's solutions are being deployed on a global scale for stationary and portable applications. IdaTech is a subsidiary of the Boise, Idaho-based energy and technology holding company IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE: IDA).
