Microturbine bus a hit at Green Showcase

CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA - AmericaÂ’s only microturbine-powered hybrid-electric bus was a key draw at the Green Technology Showcase sponsored by Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world's leading clean-technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems.

The bus, which features a C30 Capstone MicroTurbine, is called “library quiet” because it is 75 percent less noisy than traditional buses. In addition, the microturbine-powered bus is 100 percent more fuel efficient than standard diesel buses, according to bus manufacturer DesignLine.

Leaders from throughout the energy industry, customers and representatives of key California politicians’ offices attended the showcase, which featured the hybrid-electric bus, a microturbine-powered sports car, displays of Capstone microturbines – from the C30 microturbine that produces 30 kilowatts of clean-and-green power up to the 1-megawatt C1000 turbine system.

During opening remarks, Jonathan Parfrey, commissioner of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, reiterated the importance of renewable energy. Later, an official from Syracuse University provided an overview of the campusÂ’s new data center, which features 12 Capstone C65 Hybrid UPS microturbines. The data center, which is being developed with IBM, is considered among the greenest in the world.

“Capstone organized the Showcase to show how technology innovation and Capstone’s microturbine energy systems are playing a critical role in helping the world overcome its energy and climate challenges,” said Darren Jamison, Capstone President and Chief Executive Officer.

Another key draw at the event was a hybrid-electric sports car powered by a Capstone diesel-fueled C30 microturbine and lithium poly batteries. Car designer Richard Hilleman, Chief Creative Director of gaming software giant Electronic Arts, has been developing the one-of-a-kind sports car for three years. He indicated the low-emission car has a 360-mile range at 70 mph plus 80 miles of battery power.