Multiquip EarthSmart Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Light Tower Featured at Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch

Carson, CA - Multiquip, a diverse manufacturer and supplier of world class quality products and solutions, announced today that its EarthSmart H2LT hydrogen fuel cell powered light tower (H2LT) was used on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center as the Space Shuttle Atlantis launched last week, on its 135th and final mission for the NASA Space Shuttle Program.

"The H2LT lighting system was deployed to the site of the final Space Shuttle launch and observed by visitors, shuttle astronauts and members of the international media," said Torsten Erbel, vice president product management, engineering and customer support for Multiquip. "We are happy to provide a product that is not only environmentally friendly, but can also be utilized in a variety of industries and settings."

The unit was used to provide lighting in the international press area, and its auxiliary power was used to recharge the camera battery packs for a number of photographers at the event. The NASA deployment was the latest in a series of high-profile test sites where the lighting system has been utilized.

Innovative by design, the Multiquip H2LT light tower is environmentally friendly, pollution-free, allowing it to be operated indoors and can be operated for up to 68 hours at a remarkable low noise level of only 43 decibels at 23 feet. Because of the load following feature of the fuel cell, power is only produced as needed providing an unmatched fuel efficiency compared to conventional combustion engines running at full load at all times.

The system features a fuel cell running on pure hydrogen, resulting in zero-emission electrical power. The fuel cell produces electricity for an advanced, power-saving Light Emitting PlasmaTM (LEP) lighting system and additional auxiliary power up to 2.5 kW, which allows additional equipment (such as drills, power tools, public address systems, or security metal detectors) to be powered by the unit at the same time the system is providing illumination.

In addition to NASA (which also used the system during the Space Shuttle Endeavor launch), customers who have provided test sites include the California Department of Transportation, the 2010 Academy Awards ceremony, the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and the 2011 Grammy Awards.

Production of the H2LT will start in Q4 2011. Pricing for the units will be provided on a quote only basis, and may vary due to the availability of energy and tax credits from different states-to-state, as well as multiple configuration options.