Moldy20 (05/01/00)

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Global Thermoelectric successfully tests modular residential fuel cell unit.

CALGARY, May 1 /CNW/ - Global Thermoelectric today announced that the
company has successfully tested its next generation residential fuel cell
system. This new system provides a considerable improvement in power output
compared to the unit announced in early February 2000. ``The output of the
new modular residential fuel cell system is 1.35kW, which is sufficient power
to address the base load residential electrical power requirement in many
markets. The system is scalable, which means we can add modules to efficiently
meet the power requirements associated with larger homes,'' stated Jim Perry,
President and CEO of Global.
The modular design allows systems to be assembled as separate components
to not only facilitate commercial production but also, once units are
installed in a residence, to make servicing of components simple. ``We are
very conscious of the need to develop systems which are user-friendly and easy
to manufacture. Modularity goes a long way towards accomplishing both of those
goals,'' said Perry. Global expects that its residential fuel systems will
also have built-in diagnostic software which will monitor system performance
and pinpoint components in need of servicing.
Global's residential fuel cell systems use natural gas as fuel and
include a very simple fuel processor. With the system design and power
output improvements announced today, Global has taken further steps toward
creating a commercially viable product.
Development of Global's pilot fuel cell production plant is now well
underway. Office and power infrastructure in the new 32,000 square foot
facility is almost complete. The plant area has been increased from the
previously announced 23,000 square feet to accommodate additional assembly
space requirements. Volume oriented manufacturing equipment is on order and
the plant is expected to be fully operational by year-end.
Global Thermoelectric Inc. is the world's largest supplier of
thermoelectric power generation equipment for use in remote locations, and
produces crew compartment heaters for use in tracked military vehicles. The
Calgary-based company has also become a world leader in the fuel cell
development industry.
Moldy