Navy contracts to improve Arleigh power

BOSTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has contracted Satcon Technology to develop a energy storage module to improve the power efficiencies of the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class ships.

Boston-based Satcon, a utility-scale renewable-energy technology developer, was awarded a deal from the Office of Naval Research to design a 500 kilowatt energy storage module for the Navy's Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers. The contract is worth approximately $6 million.

The development of an energy storage module is part of an effort to improve the Arleigh Burke destroyer's fuel efficiency. Officials say Satcon will work to develop an energy storage module that possibly can save more than $1 million in annual fuel costs per destroyer.

"We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. Navy for our leading-edge technology and expertise in high-power and efficient electric power conversion systems, especially for this application where ruggedized power quality and system reliability are critical," Leo Casey, Satcon vice president and chief technology officer, said in a statement.