Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system wins prestigious award for innovation

14 November 2007

Active Power has won a prestigious global award for innovation at the IET’s annual Innovation in Engineering Awards.

The Hertfordshire based company won the Product Design award for Energy Efficient UPS systems.

Active Power’s energy efficient UPS system is a reliably and economically green flywheel-based solution to ensure business continuity in the event of power disturbances.The technology stores kinetic energy in a more compact reliable way. When UPS power is required, the kinetic energy in the flywheels is converted efficiently to electrical power.

This UPS technology alleviates the need for batteries in a power system.  Ivan Boyd, General Manager Research, BT Group who was one of the judges of the category says “The benefits of Active Power’s UPS system are obvious, the system is highly energy efficient, produces less heat compared to other systems - therefore requiring less cooling, is exceptionally space efficient, saves on electricity costs and reduces carbon emissions.”  The advantages of the technology have been recognised and certified by The Carbon Trust.

A total of 15 awards, each sponsored by a major company, were presented and at a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London hosted by TV personality and science enthusiast Johnny Ball.

The host of “Think of a Number” said: “What makes a great innovator? Perhaps a little eccentricity, a desire for improvement, plus vision and the determination to see it through. All that equals the type of projects recognised through these awards. Innovators always ask ‘Why can't it be better?’ If it wasn't for innovation we would still have black and white television and mono radio.”

He continued: “Innovation is at the heart of business and wealth creation. It is right that we acknowledge those who push the boundaries of science, engineering and technology and it will be exciting to see how the innovations awarded this year will make their mark in the future. “

Robin McGill, CEO of the IET said: “These awards recognise the vital role that innovation in engineering plays in the global economy. On behalf of the IET I would like to congratulate all the winners who have displayed outstanding innovation in their respective categories.”

He added that because of the huge interest in the awards this year details of the 2008 awards would be available immediately on the IET web site at: www.theiet.org/innovationawards.

The product Design award is sponsored by BT.

The awards have been supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and Make Your Mark in Manufacturing & Engineering.

Photographs of a company representative and Johnny Ball are available from the IET press office, along with contact details for Active Power.

IET Press Office
Jenny Bond
T: 020 7344 5445
E: jennybond@theiet.org