Calgary-based Sustainable Energy Technologies has successfully completed initial testing of its next-generation power inverter.

Test results indicate the 4kW DC-to-AC inverter has a peak efficiency of 96% at 20% of full load. With input voltages ranging from 44V to 66V during testing, the inverter maintained an average of 95% efficiency at full load.

The Canadian company is also completing the development of a software-configurable DC-to-DC converter with a fast response time and bidirectional buck and boost capabilities. The converter will be used to charge and discharge stationary fuel-cell system batteries, thus maintaining a constant power output as a customer's load changes. Together, the inverter and converter will form an integrated fuel-cell management system.

Sustainable Energy expects to deliver evaluation prototypes to the industry in May 2001.