Governor Dannel P. Malloy Visits UTC Power as Company Celebrates Milestone

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, today announced that its next-generation stationary fuel cell, the PureCell® Model 400 System fleet has reached a major milestone – 200,000 hours of field operation.  As the company celebrated this significant achievement, UTC Power employees welcomed Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy to its headquarters and manufacturing facility in South Windsor, Conn., as part of the Governor's "Jobs Tour."

"It is an honor to host the Governor and his staff as we celebrate the proven reliability of our Model 400 fleet," said Joe Triompo, vice president and general manager of UTC Power. "Our fleet has averaged an availability of more than 96 percent so far in 2011. We are delighted with the performance of our Model 400 and proud that the product is manufactured in our home state of Connecticut."

"From the very start, Connecticut and UTC Power have led the way in the hydrogen fuel cell industry," said Governor Malloy.  "Now, many of the most successful and innovative companies in the sector are calling the state home.  Over the past several years, the fuel cell industry has experienced vigorous growth with companies like UTC Power continually improving their technology and making their products more practical and less cost prohibitive.  This trajectory will certainly benefit the Connecticut companies which are well-positioned to expand along with the industry."

The Model 400 fuel cell incorporates new technology and design innovations and builds on UTC Power's unmatched fuel cell fleet durability and operating experience. Compared to typical central generation and other fuel cell systems, the Model 400 offers customers lower energy costs, reduced emissions and an industry-leading 95 percent system efficiency, 10-year cell stack durability and 20-year product life. The PureCell System is also capable of load following, which is a game-changing feature for many of UTC Power's customers who want the fuel cell to follow the energy requirements of their facility during peak and off peak periods. This feature not only supports the customer's bottom-line but also improves the environment through virtually zero emission energy production and the potential of substantial carbon footprint reduction.

The PureCell System operates without combustion, making it virtually pollution free. It has no moving parts, so its operation is quiet and a good fit for urban environments. And, by operating in water balance, the PureCell System saves millions of gallons of water when compared to other power generation technologies.

"By generating most of their power on-site with a PureCell System, UTC Power customers are reducing the burden on an overstrained power grid, lowering their energy costs, increasing their operational reliability and contributing to a cleaner environment," said Triompo.  "Some of UTC Power's repeat customers include world-class companies such as Coca-Cola Refreshments, Cox Communications and Whole Foods Market."

Since the early 1990s, UTC Power has designed, manufactured and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cell power plants in 19 countries on six continents. The fuel cells are located at diverse locations, including educational institutions, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, office buildings and supermarkets.  

The company's previous generation stationary fleet, the PureCell® Model 200 System has accumulated more than 9.4 million operating hours, unmatched in the industry.  The Model 200 was designed for a cell stack durability of 5 years. To date the fleet leader has attained over 80,000 hours of operation – 9 years and counting – without a cell stack replacement, another industry durability record.  With these significant achievements in stationary fuel cell durability and the recently announced transit bus fuel cell durability record of 10,000 hours on a single fuel cell stack, UTC Power continues to demonstrate that it is the proven leader in commercial fuel cell technology and products.

About UTC Power

UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries.  UTC is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index each year since it was launched in 1999.  Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications.  For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com

Contact:  Michael Glynn
(860) 727 2431
[email protected]

SOURCE UTC Power