by Brianna Crandall — January 27, 2017 — In response to current threats to the electric grid such as hackers and malware that can leave facilities with no power or communications, a company in Florida has produced a system engineered to provide hacker-proof, off-grid, continuous electrical power with an efficiency that promises to dramatically reduce electrical energy costs in everything from cars to homes to electrical grids.
Proven to be 92.3% efficient, a typical FTC system includes a 9/18 phase permanent magnet generator, a nearly silent natural gas engine, batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter.
The FTC system is engineered to provide hacker-proof, off-grid, continuous electrical power with an efficiency that promises to dramatically reduce electrical energy costs.
The Franklin-Thomas Company (FTC) created a unique, non-cogging electrical generator independently proven by Advanced Energy in North Carolina to be 92.3% efficient. The patented generator is a 9/18 phase permanent magnet generator that produces DC voltage.
The generator connects to a nearly silent natural gas engine to provide power that no one can interrupt, says the company. One of FTC’s typical systems also includes batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter. The natural gas/propane engine spins the generator to create electricity. The electricity produced is supplied to a charge controller, which charges the batteries. When the batteries are fully charged, the engine shuts off.
The batteries power the inverter, and the inverter supplies grid-like AC power. When the batteries run down, the engine starts up and the whole process repeats. The owner is reportedly never without power and, because the system does not need to be connected to the Internet, no malware can affect the system. The cost per kilowatt hour could be as low as three to five cents.
The engine and generator are also designed to seamlessly integrate with existing full solar panel systems.
The FTC generator is warrantied for five years of continuous service, with an expected lifespan of at least 20 years. The generator has no parts that wear except for two easily replaced bearings, which can last a very long time with proper greasing, and the company claims the generator magnets should last for 2,400 years.
For more information, visit the Franklin-Thomas Company Web site.
