Alpha.com - News Releases

SCTE and Alpha Harness Power from the Sun

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Exton, PA., August 23, 2010 — Alpha Technologies Inc. and the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) announced today the commissioning of an 11.28kW roof-mounted photovoltaic solar power system on the SCTE headquarters in Exton, PA.

The 11.28kW system, part of SCTE’s ongoing commitment to energy management leadership in the cable industry, is expected to generate 13,300 kilowatt hours annually, which is roughly the equivalent of 23,866 lbs of CO2 offset annually. The 48-panel array has been designed to power SCTE’s IT and communications infrastructure, and to serve as an educational resource in conjunction with SCTE’s Smart Energy Management Initiative (SEMI).

"This is SEMI 101: With electricity rates due to rise in the near-term, it made good business sense for us to be shifting one of our greatest power draws 'off the grid,'" said Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE. "Through the combined efforts of Alpha Technologies and our own staff, we will be able to reduce our costs significantly, while providing case studies of how cable can leverage the financial and environmental advantages of implementing 'green' strategies."

Working together on the design and integration of the solar power system, SCTE and Alpha engineered a system to best capitalize on the solar power resource of the area to help SCTE offset its energy demand and set an example for the telecommunications industry, as well as the local business community.

"We are proud to support the SCTE, and promote the SEMI initiative with this PV solar power system deployment," said Drew Zogby, president and COO of Alpha. "Renewable energy production will play a vital role for most forward looking enterprises. Commercial buildings, like the SCTE headquarters, are the ideal application for solar power, as there is generally a large open roof space available and most commercial energy usage is in the middle of the day when solar energy generation is at its peak."

To help showcase the solar power system, a detailed Performance Monitoring system will be located in the SCTE lobby, as well as published online, to display the power being generated by the system.

Announced earlier this year, the SCTE Smart Energy Management Initiative (SEMI) was created to help the industry to identify near- and long-term solutions for energy management, alternative energy and recycling. The SEMI program includes multiple forums, the development and sharing of resources, and increased panel and exhibit focus on the issue planned for SCTE Cable-Tec Expo® 2010 Oct. 20-22 in New Orleans. More information on the SEMI program is available at http://www.scte.org/semi/.

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) is a non-profit professional association that provides technical leadership for the telecommunications industry and serves its members through professional development, standards, certification and information. SCTE currently has approximately 13,000 members from the U.S. and 70 countries worldwide and offers a variety of programs and services for the industry’s educational benefit. A prime example is SCTE’s Smart Energy Management Initiative (SEMI), an unprecedented effort to help cable operators leverage financial and environmental advantages of implementing practical renewable energy strategies. SCTE has 68 chapters and meeting groups and more than 3,000 employees of the cable telecommunications industry hold SCTE technical certifications. SCTE is an ANSI-accredited standards development organization. Visit SCTE online at www.scte.org. Follow SCTE on Facebook and Twitter.

Alpha Technologies Inc. develops power conversion, protection and standby products for telecommunications and broadband cable industries, including custom, application-specific power solutions. In addition to product development, Alpha Technologies provides a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services to support its global customer base. Alpha Technologies is a member of The Alpha Group of companies.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

XM2-300HP: Right Power, Right Footprint, Right Price for Fiber Deep Networks

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham, Wash., June 11, 2010 - With the recent introduction of the XM2-300HP, 300 watt CableUPS®, Alpha Technologies Inc. is enhancing its position as the world leader in Broadband power systems. Incorporating informative and diagnostic firmware-based Alpha Apps in an economical and compact package, Alpha is providing a cutting edge solution to reduce operating expenses and optimize system provisioning and maintenance.

"The new XM2-300HP CableUPS provides operators with an economical system solution to increase their network reliability when performing node segmentations and fiber deep deployments. As a new feature, our Alpha Apps for battery and power supply maintenance predictability are the first step towards revolutionizing our platform," said Jim Heidenreich, VP of Product Management for Alpha. "All of this innovation is packed into a CableUPS and LPE Enclosure system that is one-third the size of a typical XM2/PWE3 system at half the price."

The XM2-300HP has the highest available efficiency, and the most advanced intelligence monitoring in the market. This allows MSOs to reduce their energy expenses and minimize unnecessary maintenance and site visits.

"The XM2-300HP operates up to 94 percent efficient and has integrated DOCSIS® DPM status monitoring in a single battery configuration to reduce OpEx going forward. As network topologies change, Alpha is continuing to innovate next generation powering solutions for both outside plant and MDU requirements. We see a great fit for the XM2-300HP to replace Non-Standby 60V power supplies to increase reliability for MDU customers," said Heidenreich.

The XM2-300HP power system is now shipping to Alpha's worldwide customer base.

Alpha Technologies Inc. develops power conversion, protection and standby products for telecommunications and broadband cable industries, including custom, application-specific power solutions. In addition to product development, Alpha Technologies provides a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services to support its global customer base. Alpha Technologies is a member of The Alpha Group of companies.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

Download the XM2-300HP Enhanced Datasheet.

Alpha Technologies Inc. Welcomes New VP of Engineering

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham, Wash., May 28, 2010 - World leading power systems provider and a member of The Alpha Group, Alpha Technologies Inc. recently announced the appointment of Pankaj (PH) Bhatt as Vice President of Engineering.

"Alpha is an innovation- and technology-driven organization, with a long history of leadership in delivering to our customers unique product solutions," said Drew Zogby, President and COO for Alpha Technologies. "PH’s senior-level leadership experience in engineering and product design of broadband network solutions used all over the world fills a very important role for us as we continue that tradition."

Throughout his career, Bhatt has built a strong track record of implementing forward-looking technologies and product development techniques. He has held a number of technical leadership positions with leading innovative firms including MahindraSatyam Computer Systems (NYSE: SAY), Dell Corp (NASDAQ: DELL), Tellium, Alcatel USA/Rockwell International (NYSE: ALU), AT&T Bell Labs and Siecor/Corning Cable Systems (NASDAQ: GLW). Bhatt holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with an electrical engineering minor from M.S. University of Baroda and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.

"PH is a great addition to the Alpha leadership team. He will make significant contributions to our growth in the markets we serve worldwide," Zogby said. "We are very excited to have PH on board leading our engineering organization."

With more than 30 years as the leader in broadband cable power, Alpha Technologies Inc. has expanded its system integration capabilities in telecommunications, solar and wind energy and industrial power. The addition of Bhatt to its executive leadership team will help Alpha maintain its market leadership status, while effectively branching out to provide solutions for emerging power topologies and applications.

Alpha Energy and Arizona Game & Fish Showcase Rooftop Solar Installation

Tue, 25 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, Ariz., May 25, 2010 - Located at 1628 W Williams Drive, Alpha Energy, member of worldwide power systems provider The Alpha Group, in collaboration with the Arizona Game & Fish department, are planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony to showcase the 191 kilowatt rooftop solar power system installed and commissioned in Fall 2009.

The grid-tied solar power system consists of (1,092) roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, connected to four inverters. A complete web-interface and weather monitoring system features auto-alerts to help ensure optimal system performance at all times.

As part of a comprehensive plan to help the government building achieve Platinum LEED Status, the roof-mounted solar power system provides 20% of the agencies annual power consumption, according the Fred Bloom, Chief Engineer Development Branch for Arizona Game & Fish.

Since its commissioning in September of last year, the agency’s solar power system has generated more than 187,000 kilowatt-hours. This has prevented the emissions of more than 232,000 lbs of Carbon Dioxide, 384 lbs of Nitrogen Oxide and 635 lbs of Sulfur Dioxide.

This emissions offset is equivalent to:

Operating a television set for 1.2 million hours
Powering 1,436 computers and 10 homes for one year
Driving an average passenger car for more than 23 years

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on May 26 around 9am, at the Arizona Game & Fish Headquarters, located at 5000 West Carefree Highway in Phoenix. Members of the media and the general public are invited to attend.

Alpha Energy, is a full-service engineering and project development company for turnkey renewable energy technologies and photovoltaic systems for commercial, institutional and remote (off-grid) applications. Alpha Energy is a division of Alpha Technologies, a world leading Total Power Solutions provider for more than thirty years. Stop by our Phoenix office on 1628 West Williams Drive or contact us at 602 997 1007. Alpha Energy is a member of The Alpha Group.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class Total Power Solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

View live performance monitoring.

View a pdf version of this release.

View Arizona Game & Fish case study in pdf format.

For this and/or more information, contact:
Jeff Lechtanski
Director of Marketing Communications – Alpha
jlechtanski@alpha.com

Larry Madsen
Strategic Business Development – Alpha Energy
AERequests@alpha.com

Alpha Energy Commissions Grid-Tied System for Cox Union Hills in Phoenix

Mon, 24 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, Ariz., May 24, 2010 - Located at 1628 West Williams Drive, Alpha Energy, a member of Total Power Solutions provider The Alpha Group, recently completed the construction and commissioning of a 69.3kW Elevated Solar PV Grid-Tied structure for Cox Union Hills in Phoenix, AZ.

“An Elevated Racking System, like the one here at the Union Hills Cox facility, is a great way to put underutilized real estate to work,” said Larry Madsen, Strategic Business Development professional at Alpha Energy. ”By installing the system over their existing parking lot, we created 60 covered parking spots for employees and customers, turning their cost center into a profit center and lowering overall operational facilities costs. This is a great value add for a renewable energy system, and enhances Cox’s commitment to sustainable business practices.”

Located right off the Black Canyon Freeway, a major freeway artery, the 69.3kW Union Hills system consists of 396 photovoltaic panels connected by two inverters. The system will generate more than 108,000 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power about 11 homes. The resulting annual CO2 offset of 130,000 lbs is equivalent to preventing the emissions from 10 cars.

Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services in partnership with Sprint.

View a pdf version of this release.

View Cox Union Hills case study in pdf format.

The Alpha Group Acquires European Power Solutions provider, Mitra Innovations

Thu, 20 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2010 -- World leading power systems provider, The Alpha Group, announced today the acquisition of the assets of Mitra Innovations S.A. (Mitra), one of Europe’s pioneering innovators in power conversion technologies. The newly renamed Belgium-based company (formerly known as Mitra Energy & Infrastructures S.A.), specializes in standard and custom powering solutions for the Broadband, Transport, Medical and Industrial Markets around the world, and will help The Alpha Group achieve continued growth in the deployment of Total Power Solutions.

"With the fusion of Mitra into the Alpha Group we see significant cost and revenue synergies," commented Mr. Fred Kaiser, Chairman of The Alpha Group. "In particular, Mitra offers many complementary products to the Alpha DC solution portfolio. While greatly strengthening our position in Europe this acquisition will enhance The Alpha Group's overall competitive advantage and traction in existing and emerging markets."

"We are delighted that Mitra Innovations SA is now part of The Alpha Group," announced Mr. Jean Gabriel, CEO of Mitra Innovations S.A. "We will bring our history of innovative engineering, excellence and quality to the Alpha Group and share the vision of becoming the world leader in delivering first-class powering solutions."

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy, to create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets. Members of the Alpha Group include Alpha Technologies Inc., Alpha Technologies Ltd., AlphaTec Ltd., Altair Advanced Industries Inc., Alpha Energy, Alpha Industrial Power and Alpha Technologies Services Inc. For more information on The Alpha Group, visit www.alpha.com.

Mitra Innovations is a pioneer in the field of power technology. The company designs, develops and manufactures highly reliable standard and custom power conversion solutions, remote monitoring modules and highly reliable integrated power conversion systems. For more information on Mitra Innovations S.A. visit: www.mitra-innovations.com.

View pdf version of this release.

Alpha Introduces Intelligent Inverter Module For the XM2 Family of CableUPS®

Tue, 04 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham, Wash., May 4, 2010 - World leading power systems provider, Alpha Technologies, recently announced the introduction of the i2M™ – Intelligent Inverter Module – for the XM2-HP and XM2 CableUPS®. The i2M offers MSOs several new features to help in the intelligent management of their broadband power networks.

"In working with, and listening to, our MSO partners around the world, we know how important information and efficiency are in the provisioning process," said Jim Heidenreich, Vice President of Product Management and Customer Fulfillment at Alpha Technologies. "The i2M increases the level of intelligence in the outside plant. With an optional Smart DOCSIS Transponder, technicians can verify network communications with the NOC before they leave an outside plant location. Further, they can specify the AlphaCell™ battery model in the i2M and then track individual battery voltages on site. Our customers demand innovation, and we have worked to exceed their expectations."

Alpha engineered the i2M Intelligent Inverter Module to make an impact to three distinct areas.

As a new standard feature on all new XM2-HP and XM2 power supplies, the i2M is a common inverter module for the majority of an MSO’s existing Alpha outside plant. Existing XM2 power supplies are easily field-upgraded as needed with the backwards-compatible i2M. It is a simple plug and play process, with no additional updates or configurations necessary.
When coupled with an optional Smart DOCSIS® transponder, the field technician is able to verify the IP and MAC addresses and confirm network communications with the headend or network operating center. Transmit and receive power levels are displayed to verify proper attenuation.
The new battery set-up menu of the i2M allows the selection of AlphaCell™ models to optimize charging and prolong battery life. Technicians can view individual battery voltages via the easier-to-read blue LCD Smart screen. This allows quick identification and replacement of bad batteries during preventive maintenance visits.

"One of the primary goals with the launch of the i2M is to help make sure a power supply is installed and provisioned correctly on the first pass," said Heidenreich. "We want to help minimize the need for second or third trucks rolls to tweak a setting or troubleshoot a communications problem. But we added the preventive maintenance features, like tracking individual battery voltages and AlphaCell battery selection, to ease the manpower necessary to ensure a plant hardened cable broadband network."

The i2M Intelligent Inverter Module will start shipping in all new XM2-HP and XM2 CableUPS® Power supplies in early June 2010. Replacement i2M modules will be available for ordering in Q3 2010.

View pdf version of this release.

Alpha Energy Project Recognized by Electrical Association Award

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, Ariz., March 30, 2010 - Alpha Energy, a member of The Alpha Group and a division of Alpha Technologies Services Inc., recently announced the industry recognition by the Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Association of a 1MW Elevated Solar Racking system installed by Alpha on a major Auto Auction facility in Northern NJ.

During ABC’s 19th Annual Merit Construction Awards of Excellence, the electrical contractor on the Alpha Energy project – the Tri-M Group, LLC – was named an Excellence Winner in the Best Specialty category (Electrical Under $1 Million). ABC recognized Tri-M and Alpha for the outstanding design, engineering, innovation and workmanship that went into this New Jersey facility.

“This 1MW system was a big endeavor, and Tri-M Group did a great job in working with us,” said Drew Zogby, President and COO of Alpha Technologies. “As we were designing the system, we worked with the Tri-M team to make the most efficient use of both manpower and resources, drawing on our combined expertise to create a system that will operate to maximum efficiency.”

The largest continuous elevated solar racking structure in the US, the New Jersey installation is comprised of more than 5500 solar modules interconnected with eleven 100kW inverters. It is arranged so that even if one of the inverters goes down, the remainder of the system will continue producing solar energy, until repairs or maintenance can be completed on the problem inverter.

“It was important to us the system be built with redundancies in place, and with protections from the whole system going down because of a minor glitch,” said Zogby. “Tri-M worked with us on the integration of this compartmentalization strategy and implemented it on site and on schedule. We are proud to have worked with Tri-M on this project and congratulate them on this award.”

The Tri-M Group, LLC is a full service electrical contractor providing quality service for 40 years in the Mid Atlantic region. We focus on your Facility Life-Cycle costs by providing quality up front to minimize your long term maintenance issues.

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. is a national association representing more than 25,000 Merit Construction and construction-related firms in 79 chapters across the United States. The Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter represents almost 500 general contractors, specialty contractors, material suppliers and related firms in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Click here for a pdf version of this release.

For this and/or more information, contact:
Jeff Lechtanski	Larry Madsen
Director of Marketing Communications – Alpha	Strategic Business Development - Alpha Energy
jlechtanski@alpha.com	AERequests@alpha.com
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Alpha Energy Commissions Grid-Tied System for Cox in Tucson

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, Ariz., March 10, 2010 - Located at 1628 West Williams Drive, Alpha Energy, a member of Total Power Solutions provider The Alpha Group, recently completed the construction and commissioning of a 21kW Elevated Solar PV Grid-Tied structure for Cox Communications in Tucson, AZ.

“This commercial solar installation is a continuation of the partnership between Alpha and Cox to support Cox leadership in solar energy deployments in this region,” said Drew Zogby, President and COO of Alpha. “Cox Communications is known for its sustainability programs, including ‘Cox Conserves’, and we are proud to play a role in their efforts by providing cost-effective and efficient renewable energy systems that have a tangible, positive effect on their operations and their community.”

As one of three solar power installations commissioned at Cox Arizona locations so far this year, the 21kW Tucson system consists of 120 photovoltaic panels supported by an Elevated Solar Racking structure that was designed and installed by Alpha, covering 18 parking spots. The system will generate more than 32,000 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power about 3 homes. All PV systems deployed by Cox AZ include real-time performance monitoring systems that track and record performance data including power produced and metrics to energy offsets.

View live performance monitoring.

“For Cox, going solar is all about the bottom line in terms of economics AND community impact,” said Lisa Lovallo, Cox’s vice president for Southern Arizona. “We are a local company making businesses decisions that benefit our customers, our employees and the community. We partnered with Alpha – an Arizona company - because they have the experience and expertise to build a solar structure that would help us save money and reduce emissions here in our community.”

Click here for a pdf of this release.

Click here for Cox Tucson case study in pdf format.

Alpha Energy Commissions Grid-Tied System for US Forest Service

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phoenix, Ariz., February 26, 2010 - Located at 1628 West Williams Drive, Alpha Energy, a member of worldwide Total Power Solutions provider The Alpha Group, recently installed a 21kW elevated solar racking structure at the US Forest Service office in Tucson.

“Several Tucson area organizations are taking advantage of our Elevated Racking Structures to use their existing parking lots to generate solar energy,” said Drew Zogby, President and COO of Alpha Technologies. “Thanks to utility rebates, and federal and state incentives, we were able to work with this client to come up with a cost-effective solar energy system to meet their unique requirements and short timeframe for the installation. As a system integrator with all of our design, engineering and project management staff in-house, we are proud of our ability to install a system, from concept to completion, in only 30 days.”

The 21kW grid-tied solar power system was completed in one month and is expected to generate more than 32,000kWh annually, enough to power about 3 homes. The resulting CO₂ offset of 36,765lbs is equivalent to preventing the annual emissions of more than 3 cars.

“With our building housing a federal agency like the US Forest Service, we recognized the importance of serving as an example in the incorporation of solar power,” said Dawn Zeitlin, Manager of HAM Tucson LLC, owners of the facility. “As a follower of the movement toward green building, we wanted to provide economical and clean energy for the tenant and in the process acquire enough points to qualify for LEED silver certification. I was impressed both by Alpha's ability to analyze the economics of the system, including the installation cost, credits, and rebates, and by their technical engineering, design and placement of the system.”

Members of the media and the general public are invited to attend an open house event on March 3rd at the Tucson Interagency Fire Center, located at 2646 East Commerce Center Place in Tucson. This will also be followed by a short ceremony in the conference room around 11:00am.

Click here for a pdf version of this release.

Click here for the US Forest Installation case study in pdf format.

For this and/or additional information in electronic form, go to www.alpha.com or contact:

Jeff Lechtanski
Director of Marketing Communications
Tel: 360 647 2360
jlechtanski@alpha.com

Larry Madsen
Strategic Business Development
Tel: 602 997 1007
aerequests@alpha.com