SatCon Wins $2 Million Contract

SatCon Technology Corporation (Nasdaq CM: SATC), a developer of power management and system architecture solutions for the alternative energy and distributed power markets, has been awarded a $2 million contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop the complete electric power conversion package for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for special operations applications.

The hybrid powertrain system will include a permanent magnet traction motor/generator and DC/AC drive system; a battery to distribution bus DC/DC bi-directional converter to provide regulated high voltage power; and an auxiliary power converter for on-board and on-station electrical loads, both 28 VDC and 120 VAC. The contract effort runs through December 2008.

SatCon is teamed with Electrovaya (a North American Lithium Ion Battery manufacturer) who will develop the HEV battery system. The technology builds on SatCon’s Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and DC/DC converter developments as well as other government sponsored advanced technology for power electronics subsystems.

The goal is to develop the key system components that will enable more efficient operation of tactical vehicles while providing for the increased electrical power demands of next generation systems. SatCon is considering a range of potential vehicles for the hybrid powertrain technology.

This award is a further example of SatCon’s technology leading expertise in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and electric power conversion systems for demanding applications. SatCon’s President & Chief Executive Officer, David Eisenhaure, stated, “SatCon is pleased to have received this contract which supports our stated strategic initiative to expand our alternative energy business. The technology developed as a result of this effort has dual-use attributes that can be quickly transitioned to commercial and consumer Hybrid Electric Vehicle applications. We also look forward to the opportunity to partner with vehicle OEMs to transition this electric power conversion technology to fielded vehicles.”