REDLAND, Calif., June 6 (UPI) -- California-based AquaCell Technologies, Inc. announced Monday the acquisition of GPM Inc., the world's only patented solar-powered air conditioner.
AquaCell's solar-powered air conditioner uses less than 25 percent of the power of traditional air conditioners of the same size. Using direct current power, AquaCell's air conditioners can be powered by only two photovoltaic panels, freeing the user from the electric utility grid.
"This acquisition, the culmination of eight months of combined effort on the part of AquaCell and GPM, solidly positions AquaCell in the emerging alternative energy space," said James Witham, AquaCell's chief executive officer. "Having an air conditioner powered through the energy of the sun has far reaching applications for daily cooling requirements for homes and industry, including modular buildings, as well as for emergency backup cooling, such as senior citizen housing and remote telecommunication facilities."
The AquaCell air conditioners are the only climate control equipment in the world to take direct, renewable DC input to power its internal 24-volt operating system. Use of the air conditioner eliminates the risk of loss of air conditioning due to power shortages and blackouts.
The initial versions of the solar air conditioner have been purchased by the U.S. military, corporations and international real estate developers. In connection with the acquisition, the manufacturing will be relocated from Texas to southern California.
