Active Power Inc. Company Profile

Background

Overview

Active Power Inc., established in 1992, specializes in the design, manufacture, and service of flywheel-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. These systems utilize kinetic energy to provide short-term power, offering an alternative to traditional battery-based UPS solutions. The company also develops modular devices that integrate critical power components into pre-packaged enclosures, which can include Active Power’s UPS products. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Active Power has deployed over 6,200 flywheels in UPS systems, delivering more than 1 gigawatt of critical backup power to customers in over 50 countries.

Mission and Vision

Active Power's mission is to provide efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly critical power solutions that ensure business continuity during power disturbances. The company envisions being a global leader in sustainable power technologies, delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on delivering flywheel-based UPS systems and modular power solutions that cater to industries requiring uninterrupted power, such as data centers, healthcare facilities, industrial manufacturing, and broadcasting. These solutions are designed to enhance operational reliability and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Industry Significance

Active Power holds a significant position in the power protection industry, particularly in the niche of flywheel-based UPS systems. Its innovative approach offers a sustainable and reliable alternative to traditional battery-based systems, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly and efficient power solutions in mission-critical applications.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovation in Power Solutions: Continuously developing advanced flywheel technology to provide reliable and sustainable power solutions.

Global Expansion: Extending the reach of its products and services to a broader international market.

Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring high-quality products and exceptional customer service to maintain strong client relationships.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Flywheel Energy Storage: Designing and manufacturing flywheel-based UPS systems that offer high reliability and long life cycles.

Modular Power Solutions: Creating integrated power systems that combine UPS units with other critical power components in a single enclosure.

Key Technologies Utilized

Flywheel Technology: Utilizing kinetic energy storage to provide rapid response and long-duration power backup.

Modular Design: Employing modular architecture to offer scalable and customizable power solutions.

Primary Markets Targeted

Data Centers: Ensuring continuous operation of data storage and processing facilities.

Healthcare Facilities: Providing uninterrupted power to hospitals and medical centers.

Industrial Manufacturing: Supporting manufacturing plants with reliable power to maintain production lines.

Broadcasting: Protecting broadcast stations from power interruptions to ensure consistent transmission.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Active Power has raised a total of $42.58 million over multiple funding rounds, with the latest round being a PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) offering.

Recent Funding Rounds

December 1999: Raised $20 million in a Series C round.

Notable Investors

Investors include Rho Ventures, Sound Energy Partners, UBS, HBK Investments, and BNP Paribas Private Equity, among others.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been utilized to expand manufacturing capabilities, enhance research and development efforts, and support global sales and service operations.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Active Power's product pipeline includes advanced flywheel-based UPS systems and modular power solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of mission-critical operations. Specific details on upcoming products and development stages are proprietary and not publicly disclosed.

Stages of Development

The company is in the advanced stages of product development, focusing on enhancing the performance, scalability, and environmental sustainability of its power solutions.

Target Conditions

Active Power's products are designed to address power reliability challenges in various industries, including data centers, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and broadcasting.

Anticipated Milestones

While specific timelines for product releases are not publicly available, Active Power continues to innovate and expand its product offerings to meet market demands.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

CleanSource Flywheel UPS: A flywheel-based UPS system that provides reliable and sustainable power backup.

PowerHouse: A modular power solution that integrates UPS units with other critical power components in a single enclosure.

Significant Scientific Methods

Kinetic Energy Storage: Utilizing the principles of kinetic energy to store and release power efficiently.

Modular System Design: Employing modular architecture to create scalable and customizable power solutions.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Jack Pearce: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Jack Pearce serves as the CEO of Active Power, leading the company's strategic direction and operations. Under his leadership, Active Power has focused on innovation and expansion in the power solutions market.

Leadership Changes

In November 2016, Active Power was acquired by Piller Power Systems, a subsidiary of Langley Holdings plc. This acquisition has integrated Active Power's flywheel UPS technology into Piller's power protection portfolio, enhancing the combined company's market position.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for uninterruptible power supply systems is growing, driven by increasing demand for reliable power solutions in data centers, healthcare facilities, and industrial manufacturing. Sustainability trends are also influencing the adoption of eco-friendly power solutions.

Competitor Analysis

APC by Schneider Electric: A leading provider of UPS systems, offering a wide range of power protection solutions.

Eaton Corporation: A global power management company providing UPS systems and other power quality solutions.

Vertiv: Specializes in designing, manufacturing, and servicing critical infrastructure technologies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Active Power's acquisition by Piller Power Systems has strengthened its market position, allowing for expanded product offerings and enhanced service capabilities.

Operational Insights

Active Power differentiates itself through its focus on flywheel-based UPS systems, offering a sustainable and reliable alternative to traditional battery-based solutions. This unique approach provides advantages in terms of reliability, environmental impact, and total cost of ownership.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Active Power is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and reliable power solutions. The integration with Piller Power Systems enables the company to offer a broader range of products and services, catering to a wider customer base. Future opportunities include expanding into new markets and continuing to innovate in power protection technologies.