Coleman Powermate Fuel Cell Generator Earns UL Listing.

Energy Editors/Business Editors

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2003

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the world's most respected safety testing and certification organization, announced that the Coleman Powermate AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator has been determined to comply with UL 1778, "Standard for Uninterruptible Power Supply Equipment" and UL's Outline of Investigation for Portable Fuel Cell Power Plants, subject 2262.

Using the UL-Recognized Ballard Power Systems Nexa(TM) fuel cell power module as a major component, the AirGen(TM) generator converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and allows the generator to be used as a movable power source and backup power system. The UL-Listed AirGen(TM) generator has a built-in power inverter that can produce up to 1,000 watts of alternating current (AC) power as long as hydrogen gas is supplied to the internal fuel cell. The power inverter converts the fuel cell's direct current (DC) power into electricity that can power standard electronics, computers and appliances.

"The AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator automatically senses when utility power fails and acts as an uninterruptible power supply, keeping mission-critical computer and phone systems online," said Ken Frank, senior research and development engineer for Coleman Powermate, defining the generator's most significant operating feature. "It also acts as a surge protector, buffering expensive electronics from dangerous power spikes and regulating voltage."

Dennis Campbell, president and COO of Ballard Power Systems said, "The AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator is a glimpse of the future as we see it. It is clear proof that fuel cell technology is commercially viable and environmentally sound."

"UL recognizes the unique challenges that fuel cell technologies present to regulators and also the opportunities they offer the public and environment as we consider reduced dependence on fossil fuels," said Kent Whitfield, lead of distributed generation technologies for UL. "The key for us is to ensure that products are safe, that our evaluations meet regulator's concerns while always being conscious of the fact that quick turnaround time is very important to the industry."

Ray Stanko, UL engineer for the investigation of the generator added, "Projects of this scope, specifically those involving products that are completely new to the market place, pose unique challenges to both the manufacturer and to UL. It was only through the excellent cooperation between the Coleman Powermate staff and the UL evaluation team, along with a thorough understanding of each other's objectives and constraints that the investigation was completed in such a timely manner."

For more information about UL's distributed generation equipment testing services, visit www.ul.com/dge/.

For more information about the AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator, visit www.airgen.com.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products for more than 108 years. UL tests more than 18,000 types of products annually, and more than 17 billion UL Marks appear on products each year. Worldwide, UL's family of companies and its network of service providers include more than 47 laboratories, and testing and certification facilities.