Branford High School First With New Model of UTC Power ´Green´ On-Site Power System

BRANFORD, Conn., May. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

BRANFORD, Conn., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a state whose schools rank among the least energy-efficient in the country, Branford High School today celebrated its decision to become one of Connecticut's most energy-efficient and environmentally conscious places of learning.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school, officials unveiled an ultra clean and energy-efficient power generation system made by UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company. This PureComfort(R) tri-generation system will provide on-site power, cooling and heating simultaneously at the 1,200-student facility. It marks the first installation of this model of the system.

A study by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University rated the state's schools among the least efficient in the United States. The study further indicated that energy consumption in state schools is much higher than average.

The UTC Power system at Branford High School can achieve an overall energy efficiency of up to 90 percent -- far greater than the 33 percent typical of the U.S. electrical grid. The system's design also ensures a reduction in pollutant emissions such as smog-forming nitrogen oxides.

According to Mark Deming, director of facilities for the Branford School District, "The UTC Power system is a great fit for us and will allow us to make our own electricity, cooling and heating on-site. We capture the waste heat generated by the system microturbines and use it for space heating, hot water and for air conditioning. Not only will we lower our overall energy costs, but the innovative technology ensures there is a minimal environmental impact because of the ultra-low emissions and efficiency overall."

The new system also can provide backup power if there's a grid failure, meaning the school can serve as a primary community shelter in an emergency.

UTC Power President Jan van Dokkum said, "Rising electricity rates and the availability of incentive funding for clean energy alternatives are sparking growing national interest in our innovative PureComfort power systems. Besides schools, similar systems are installed at hotels, hospitals, supermarkets and data centers."

The state Department of Public Utility Control is funding part of the Branford High School project.

UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company, is a full-service provider of environmentally responsible power solutions. With 50 years of experience, UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells for on-site power, transportation, space and defense applications, as well as a leader in innovative, renewable energy solutions and combined cooling, heating and power solutions for the distributed energy market.

Contact: Peg Hashem (860) 727-2093 Peg.hashem@utcpower.com