Hydrogenics and APC Deliver Fuel Cell Backup Power System to Toronto Internet Service Provider
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MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Nov 9, 2006 -- Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG.TO)(NASDAQ:HYGS), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen and fuel cell products, today announced that it has collaborated with American Power Conversion (APC) to install a backup power system for Interlink Connectivity Inc. in Toronto. This 20 kW InfraStruXure® with Integrated Fuel Cell System is among the first urban office tower setting that incorporates Hydrogenics' HyPM XR power modules to supply backup power to a critical network, in this case on the fifth floor of a 21-storey building. The installation has passed all the local certifications, and will be used as a reference point for future installations in similar settings worldwide. The Interlink Connectivity installation is supplied with sufficient onsite hydrogen for approximately 8 hours of backup power. In the event that additional backup power time is required, Interlink has gone further to establish a delivered hydrogen replacement agreement with a commercial supplier, ensuring unlimited backup power for their critical data center.
"Interlink Connectivity is an Internet Service Provider that prides itself on using innovation to deliver a competitive edge that benefits customers. We needed a backup power system with an extended run-time that would work within our existing building structure," said Alvin Starr, President, Interlink Connectivity Inc. "The cost of integrating a diesel system into this building was prohibitive due to the building's age and design and adding that many batteries to our space was also out of the question. APC's InfraStruXure with Integrated Fuel Cell product offered an excellent option for us so that today we are providing the full-time availability that our customers demand with new technology that is clean, compact, and best of all - reliable."
Using fuel cell backup power in data centers are becoming a viable option compared to traditional alternatives that include a combination of batteries and diesel generators for very long time back up applications. Batteries become less competitive for extended run-time where operators require optimized cost and space. Use of diesel generators could cause permitting issues due to noise, pollution and fuel storage.
"Fuel cell products are becoming an increasingly attractive option for companies seeking a clean and reliable backup power alternative," said Pierre Rivard, President and CEO of Hydrogenics. "I commend the dedicated team that has paved the way for future opportunities through the first-time application of extensive codes and regulations for this type of installation. This will prove very valuable going forward."
The Interlink Connectivity installation is a designated project under Toronto's Hydrogen Village, an initiative to ease the pathway to markets for hydrogen energy technologies in the Greater Toronto area (GTA) and raise awareness about the importance and achievability of a sustainable energy future. A portion of this installation received investment from Industry Canada's Hydrogen Early Adopters Program (h2EA).
The Product
Hydrogenics' HyPM XR hydrogen Fuel Cell Power module is a key optional component of APC's InfraStruXure. This fuel cell powered 'extended run' product is modular in design, fitting seamlessly with the InfraStruXure product design architecture that includes power, cooling, racks, management and services for data center applications. The units are available immediately for purchase from APC. A standard APC 42U rack enclosure can house up to three fuel cell modules, or 30kW (3 x 10kW). For more information on InfraStruXure, please visit:
http://www.apc.com/products/infrastruxure/index.cfm
About Hydrogenics
Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.
