The demonstration system, built using a Smart Energy 6 flywheel, is designed to provide a high cycle-life, reliable source of stored energy for a number of potential applications.

"This system we've delivered to Bechtel Bettis is an example of our strategy to address additional market opportunities beyond our primary business focus of providing advanced technology solutions for electric power systems," said Bill Capp, Beacon Power president and CEO.

"We continue to seek ways to leverage Beacon technology as a viable alternative to conventional, non-sustainable energy storage. With this system in the hands of users who will evaluate its performance, we hope to both learn from their feedback and establish ourselves as a capable supplier."

Beacon Power also announced that it will present a paper, co-authored with personnel from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, entitled "Flywheel Energy Storage for Electric Start and an All-Electric Ship," at the IEEE Electric Ship Technologies Symposium in Philadelphia on July 27, 2005.

The U.S. Navy's Electric Ship program is focused on development of next-generation vessels that make use of an integrated power system able to support more demanding electrical loads as well as reduce crew size and free up shipboard space.

Beacon believes that there may be interest in its flywheel products for such applications because of certain inherent advantages over batteries, including long life, the ability to charge and discharge many thousands of times, the absence of hazardous materials and reduced maintenance requirements.

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