Capstone to supply microturbine series hybrid system to TATSA for Bus Application

Capstone Turbine Corporation announced today it has initiated a demonstration project with TATSA, an Argentine bus manufacturer that will use a Capstone hybrid electric drive system -- which features a C65 microturbine -- as a clean, efficient range extender for a transit bus.

This will be one of the first applications of Capstone's new Drive Solution in a transit bus. In addition to a natural gas 65-kilowatt microturbine, Capstone will provide the series hybrid drive solution, including drive motor, inverter system, and vehicle power interface module. The Capstone Drive Solution offers significant advantages over more traditional prime movers because it achieves high efficiency with alternative fuels while maintaining ultra-low emissions.

"We are pursuing eco-friendly drive train solutions for our range of buses and recognize the benefits the Capstone microturbine system offers our customers," said TATSA CEO Vicente San Salvador. "The demonstration project is for a transit bus operating on natural gas. We have a unique opportunity to manufacture a high efficiency, low emissions bus and then have our parent company, Grupo Plaza, validate the performance and financial benefits in actual transit operation."

The Capstone Drive Solution is suitable for a range of electric vehicle applications, from passenger cars to Class 8 trucks, delivery vehicles, busses, as well as construction equipment and marine applications. The Capstone Drive Solution makes it easy for vehicle, equipment manufacturers and boat builders to integrate Capstone C30 and C65 microturbines into a series hybrid electric vehicle or vessel.

The inverters and traction motors are mobile-hardened and engineered for these demanding applications.

"We are working with vehicle OEMs and boat builders that want to improve efficiency and reduce emissions of their products," said Jim Crouse, Capstone's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "This project with TATSA demonstrates that transit companies are seeking new technologies to meet increasingly stringent emissions requirements and to reduce the carbon footprint of their fleets."