Product innovation, engineering excellence and responsible service for over 125 years.
A historical overview of how Ingersoll Rand microturbines evolved.
1994:
The development of the breakthrough recuperator technology, designed and patented by Ingersoll Rand, played the most crucial role in paving the way for advanced work on the Ingersoll Rand microturbine system.
1996:
Building on the momentum provided by the recuperator technology, Ingersoll Rand began development of commercial units with sponsorship from Southern California Gas, New York Gas and the Gas Research Institute, now part of the Gas Technology Institute (GTI).
1997:
One year later, Ingersoll Rand trademarked the PowerWorks name.
2000:
To meet the demands of a growing market, Ingersoll Rand, in mid-2000, formed Ingersoll Rand Energy Systems, based in the prominent Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This business structure represents a significant commitment to the microturbines concept by
focusing on, identifying, developing and marketing alternative-power and energy-management
solutions. It was this commitment that placed the first field test units into operation in mid-2000.
2001:
An all-encompassing beta field test program was completed and Ingersoll Rand Energy Systems
met its expectations of taking commercial orders for its microturbine product line.
Manufacturing production capability for the MT70 induction unit was completed and engineering
development of the MT250 began.
2002
The year began with shipments of the first commercial induction MT70 microturbine.
Later in the year development of the synchronous version of the MT70 was completed. Shipments were made ensuring that customers would have power in the event of a grid failure.
Energy Systems also shipped its first microturbines for use with low Btu fuels such as those found in landfills and wastewater treatment plants.
2003
Engineering development of the MT250 was completed and the microturbine was formally introduced. Commercial manufacturing production was commenced and Energy Systems began accepting orders for the 250kW microturbine for use with natural gas and low Btu fuels.
Branded EcoWorks TM, Energy Systems began providing solutions for the environmental markets. These currently offered solutions include complete fuel conditioning, total maintenance and financing comprising a comprehensive electrical cogeneration package.
Ingersoll Rand's standby generators group joined Energy Systems in August, giving the company the opportunity to offer a comprehensive energy solution to its customers. Such a solution can include any combination of microturbines, standby generators and fuel conditioners, ensuring the customer will always have efficient, economical and reliable power available.
Energy Systems developed, shipped and commissioned its first fuel conditioning system for use with digester gas.
2004
Ingersoll Rand Energy Systems continued to focus on key markets and the commercialization of its fuel conditioning system, with the installation of systems treating landfill and digester gases.
The first commercial MT250 microturbines were shipped to a wastewater treatment plant in southern California and a tank battery for offshore operations in the gulf coast.
Energy Systems’ also expanded its high temperature heat exchanger technologies to include marine gas turbine applications.
2005
Energy Systems continues to aggressively pursue its Solutionizing™ approach in offering a broad range of consultation, products and services needed to develop solutions that address business needs worldwide.
With the launch of its Environmental and Energy Solutions, Ingersoll Rand offers its clients efficient, clean, reliable power and heat with lowered energy cost volatility, no capital investment and reduced risk. And the development of its wireless communications package enhances Ingersoll Rand’s world-class service capabilities.
The first 50Hz 250kW microturbine was commissioned in Shanghai, China, providing reliable power and thermal energy for increased productivity.
Ingersoll Rand also continues the advancement of its state-of-the-art brazing facility, located in Mocksville, NC, delivering advanced thermal technologies to manufacturing and transportation industries world-wide.