The Northwest Energy Technology Showcase (NETS) 2004 Company/Product BACKGROUNDER

Heuristic Engineering Inc. (Biomass)
Heuristic Engineering Inc. of Vancouver, BC, working with Northern Steel Ltd. of Prince George, BC, markets and supplies its US patent pending, two stage, wet biomass combustor - the Heuristic EnvirOcycler. The EnvirOcycler gasifies the biomass in its 1st stage of gentle, updraft gasification. The "producer gas", so formed, is immediately burned in its 2nd stage of vigorous, cyclonic combustion. The 2nd stage is located above the 1st stage. Emissions in the EnvirOcycler's 1,850oF biomass products of combustion do not, typically, exceed 0.05 gr/sdcf for particulate, 1 ppm for CO and 15 ppm for NOx, corrected to 11% O2 by volume. Earlier versions of the EnvirOcycler, designed by Heuristic's president, Dr. Malcolm Lefcort, have been in continuous service in the US forest products industry for 23 years.

The EnvirOcycler was designed to burn coastal BC hog fuel in the late 1970's at the height of the first oil crisis. In addition to wet wood waste, the EnvirOcycler can also be used to dispose of land clearing debris, processed municipal solid waste (refuse derived fuel), municipal sewage sludge, animal manure, poultry litter, etc., as well as mixtures of the foregoing with lower moisture content biomass. The EnvirOcycler's products of combustion can be used to externally co-fire existing utility and industrial boilers. They can also be used to direct fire waste heat boilers and heat exchangers, pulp mill lime kilns, lumber dry kilns, etc. Finally, they can be used to indirectly fire suitable gas turbine generator sets in the 3.5 to 7 MWe range via external heat exchangers supplied by the G. C. Broach Co of Tulsa, OK, Heuristic Engineering's waste heat boiler and waste heat exchanger partner. Broach equipment is guaranteed for 100,000 hours. www.heuristicengineering.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (9 mb)
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Westtech Energy (Wind Power)
Westtech Energy is developing the next generation of wind power generation equipment. Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Westtech’s mission is to design, manufacture and sell affordable, innovative wind power generation equipment, enabling customers to harness the power of the wind. Westtech is advancing wind power generation technology to bring North America and the World into the 21st Century while providing the average consumer with free electrical power of their own control.

Most wind turbines are designed to operate at high wind speeds and are not suitable to most geographical areas, especially residential areas. Our designs are focused on bringing wind power to a larger geographical area by reducing the rated wind speed. Our products will bring alternative energy to a level that is viable for home owners and businesses who previously thought it to be too expensive or not applicable to their geographical location. We are currently developing horizontal axis wind turbines in the 1 kW to 10 kW range. www.westtechenergy.ca

Powerpoint: Presentation (1 mb)
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Mariah Energy (Microturbine)
Mariah Energy Corp. is a leading North American Distributed Energy Company, with their innovative Heat PlusPower™ system. A combined heat and power (CHP) system, the Heat PlusPower system is designed to provide on-site heat and electricity, while reducing emissions, and raising the bar on energy efficiency and cost savings.

Started in 1998, Mariah has since launched both the 60/30 and 120/60 Heat PlusPower systems, and has listed on the TSX Venture Exchange - stock symbol MRH. Mariah now carries out two main business models – one consisting of complete CHP system sales to utility partners, and the second to implement the Mariah Distributed Generation technology into micro-utility models. To date, thirty-three systems have been installed in various applications such as swimming pools/recreation facilities, multi-unit residential complexes, greenhouses, institutions, and food processing plants. Any facility that requires heat, often in the form of domestic hot water, throughout the year can benefit from this technology.

The Mariah Heat PlusPower system is environmentally friendly, increasing energy efficiency and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The system is versatile and can operate on a number of fuels including natural gas, propane, diesel, landfill gas or digester gas. www.mariahpower.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (8 mb)
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Lignol Innovations Corporation (Biomass)
Lignol Innovations Corporation is four year old Canadian private company formed to own and control technology and know- now referred to as the Alcell process. General Electric and Repap Enterprises Inc. invested 25 years and more than $200 million to commercialize the process that generates a series of chemical and fuel products from renewable resources thereby replacing products generated from oil and natural gas. Lignol’s proven technology will completely convert many types of woody biomass (e.g. sawdust, corn stover, or bagasse) into a high value stream of natural fuel and chemicals with very high margins. Lignol intends to license its technology. They have the potential to become the leading marketer of its proprietary natural lignin which has many proven and potential applications as well as being a low cost producer of ethanol from cellulosic feedstock.

The Alcell process is environmentally benign and can completely transform waste wood, such as sawdust & shavings, into six valuable product streams. (The sawdust and shavings are generated in forestry operations and are currently being burned in environmentally dangerous beehive burners.)

The primary technology extracts pure lignin. Unlike other lignin extraction approaches, this technology recovers five additional products, such that lignin represents only 32% of the total revenue. Other products are ethanol (whose use is expected to dramatically increase as a ‘green’ additive to gasoline), furfural, xylose, acetic acid, and extractives. Most products have been tested in end-use applications. Different feed stocks will have different yield and product characteristics.

Lignol Innovations Corporation was recently selected by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for a grant of up to $1.7 million representing one third of the total cost of pre-commercialization, with another third contributed by a “blue ribbon” consortium. Lignol needs to confirm its share of $1.6 million in new equity by Aug 31. www.lignol-innovations.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (2 mb)
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PCS UtiliData (Software)
PCS UtiliData is a registered CSIA* control system integrator specializing in Substation Automation and Control, and Energy Conservation & Efficiency products. For over 17 years, PCS UtiliData has been committed to providing world-class products and services to a wide range of satisfied clients in the energy and utility automation industry. This Spokane Washington based corporation has been featured in many national and local publications including the Spokane Journal of Business, Rural Electric Magazine, EDA Distributor, Electric World T&D Magazine and the Spokesman Review.

The UtiliData® AdaptiVolt™ closed-loop feedback system technology consists of a process control computer installed at a distribution utility substation to modulate the voltage at the electric distribution feeder’s source. Using line voltage monitors, the voltages at the end of the lines and at other critical points along the line are measured and relayed to the substation control computer in ‘real-time’. Power monitors measure the energy flow into each feeder from the source and provide energy, current, voltage, power factor and other electrical parameters to the control computer. The control computer then controls voltage regulators or transformer load tap changers at substations to adjust the source voltage to a level to minimize the energy flow on the line while maintaining end-of-line and critical point voltages within preset limits. AdaptiVolt™ represents a potent solution for Demand Side Management (DSM), Conservation Voltage Regulation (CVR) and Dispatchable Demand Control. AdaptiVolt™ dynamically adjusts voltage at the electric distribution substation and is fully compatible with Volt-Ampere-Reactive (VAR) control and transmission VAR support. It significantly reduces energy consumption, VARs consumed by the distribution system and by customers, transmission load, and line and system loss. * Control and Information Systems Integrator Association’s (CSIA) www.pcsutilidata.com

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Serveron Corporation (Transformer Management and Protection)
Serveron's electric substation monitoring technology and services provide ongoing, online analysis of the operating condition and performance of critical transmission and distribution equipment. Our network of equipment and central station personnel immediately communicate information on developing problems to the appropriate utility personnel around the clock.

Serveron supports utilities’ Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) needs with a complete line of monitoring and analysis products and services. Serveron’s monitoring technologies include TrueGas™ on-site transformer dissolved gas analyzers and BCM (Battery and Cell Management) substation back-up battery monitors. Serveron’s complete turn-key substation monitoring services help ensure the highest level of substation performance under safe operating conditions, and provide information that helps utilities continuously evaluate revenue producing assets. www.serveron.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (4 mb)
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3TIER Environmental Forecast Group Inc. (Energy Forecasting/Assessment)
3TIER Environmental Forecast Group Inc is a leader in renewable energy forecasting and assessment. 3TIER is the largest provider of wind energy forecasting in the United States, providing operational forecasts for over 1,000 MW of installed wind capacity. In addition we are providing forecasts for over 1,200 MW of installed hydro capacity throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through the use of open source and proprietary algorithms, techniques, and methods, 3TIER produces a wide variety of products and services that aid in the assessment and management of weather-driven renewable resources. We have expertise in the maintenance and operation of sophisticated environmental prediction systems including high-resolution numerical weather prediction models, distributed physically-based hydrological models, and various combinational and stand-alone statistical forecast techniques. Using these technologies, 3TIER can assess or forecast a renewable resource at any location on the globe, even in regions where observational data is nonexistent. To remain on the cutting edge of technology, 3TIER maintains an in-house research and development effort and closely collaborates with major academic institutions for the continued development of advanced forecasting technologies.

3TIER’s products and services fall under two broad categories: resource assessment and resource forecasting. On the assessment side, we use the 3TIER developed Msite system to make quantitative estimates regarding the availability, variability, and long-term stability of all weather-driven resources. Forecasting is the operational component of 3TIER’s service. We currently provide short (hours), medium (days), and long (months) range forecasts of energy production (wind-hydro-solar), reservoir inflows, as well as geographically detailed weather information for clients. Several levels of product detail and service level are available depending on the specific requirements of the client. Through the adoption of standardized web-based and XML formats the service is scaleable to many clients over broad geographic regions. The 3TIER solution allows clients to focus on their specific operational concerns, assured that 3TIER continues to integrate the latest forecast technologies into the forecast process. www.3tiergroup.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (3.5 mb)
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In PowerSoft (Software)
Unlike billing systems for utility retail markets, which is becoming increasingly commoditized and competitive, many customers in need of complex commercial and industrial (C&I) billing solutions are usually left with internal excel spreadsheet as an automation tool. Beyond spreadsheets, customers can choose to implement a one-off solution internally from scratch or try to customize a rigid off-the-shelf system with enormous risks and unpredictability. The main reasons of such complexity come from irregularities of complex individualized contracts in addition to a substantial greater number of billing determinants compared to retail billing systems.

Founded in 2002 by Dawnray Young, InPowerSoft aims to become a leader in providing innovative solutions to the world of complex utility billing by offering the company's core product, InPowerBill, an innovative framework of reusable components and a series of repeatable processes that result in unparalleled speed of implementation couple with capability for high degree of customization for complex billing requirements. With experience of implementing three generations of C&I billing systems including one for the largest power transmission organization in the Pacific Northwest, InPowerSoft has finally offered the most technologically advanced and economically viable solution for utility complex billing needs unseen in the market place. www.inpowersoft.com

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Tantalus Systems Corp. (communication networks)
Tantalus designs, manufactures, and markets two-way, real-time data communications networks to monitor and control electric, gas, and water utilities. The Tantalus Utility Network™ (TUNet) is a multi-purpose communications backbone specifically designed to help utilities extend the capacity of their distribution infrastructure. Tantalus’ long-range wireless networks unite a utility’s applications, making outage management, advanced metering, power quality monitoring, load management and distribution automation cost-effective and practical throughout both urban and rural service areas. With one network, all customers receive the same class and level of service.

Tantalus was established in 1989 to provide turnkey product engineering services in the wireless communications, security and industrial computing markets. The company began developing products for the utility industry in 1999, and since then has devoted over 100 man-years to the development of the Tantalus Utility Network. Tantalus is led by people with a broad experience in building wireless and industrial products, deploying large communication systems projects and building successful businesses. Today, the company is focused exclusively on providing communications solutions to utilities. www.tantalus.com

Powerpoint: Presentation (3.5 mb)
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ReliOn Inc. (Fuel Cell)
ReliOn Inc., located in Spokane, Washington, develops and markets proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell products based on a unique and patented modular design. Our products provide substantial benefits over conventional methods for backup power in Telecom, Utility, government and other commercial applications. Most importantly, ReliOn’s products are commercially available today. These fuel cell systems are “carrier class” certified, backed by a warranty, and priced competitively.

Our patented, cartridge-based product design is the reason we are able to bring this offering to the market now, while most fuel cell developers continue to experiment with prototypes. Our air-cooled, self-hydrating fuel cells are highly reliable because we are able to bypass potential failure points. Our products are robust and simple in operation, having only one moving part, thereby significantly extending product life and reducing maintenance. http://www.relion-inc.com/

Powerpoint: Presentation (5.5 mb)
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AquaEnergy Group Ltd. (Wave Energy)
AquaEnergy Group Ltd is a leading developer and owner of latest ocean wave energy conversion technology. AquaEnergy’s proven and patented technology generates clean electrical power from the sustainable energy of ocean waves and is designed to be able to sell a predictable stream of electricity at stable and competitive prices. Through multiple stages of research and development we have successfully designed a product that overcomes issues previously seen as insurmountable in the wave energy sector: survivability, cost and environmental impact .

Our vision is to make wave energy a major source of renewable electrical power by enabling the harvesting of the vast energy resources of the ocean. AquaEnergy aims to be not just a technology company, but also a project developer, a part power plant owner and operator – a vertically integrated company poised for success through technological innovation, strategic vision and expertise. www.aquaenergygroup.com

Powerpoint: Presentations (6.7 mb)
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Electricity Management Device)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a device that helps make the power system more reliable by managing electricity at the grid level.

The Grid Friendly™ controller, a two by two-and-a-half inch circuit board, is at the heart of Grid Friendly™ appliances. Installed in refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters and various other household appliances, this device would monitor the power grid and turn appliances off for a few seconds to a few minutes in response to power grid overload. When power plants cannot generate enough power to meet customer needs, Grid Friendly™ appliances reduce some of the load on the system to balance supply and demand. www.pnl.gov

Powerpoint: Presentation (1 mb)
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