Energy company moves into boating business

American Superconductor Corp. of Harvard, an energy technology company that makes systems that help manage power grids, is getting into the boating industry.

The company said today it has received its first orders from the commercial marine market; specifically, it said it has received orders for its PowerModule-based electrical systems that will be used aboard "three mega-yachts and one river cruiser being built in Europe."

American Superconductor said it has sold "thousands" of the PowerModule systems for such applications as wind turbines and hydro-electric generators. The systems control power flows, regulate voltage, and monitor performance of the ships' propulsion motors, diesel generators, and power distribution system to maximize energy efficiency.

American Superconductor also said it recently received an order from a Canadian firm that plans to use PowerModule converters to interface with batteries used to power tugboats.

For "competitive reasons," the company is not identifying the maritime customers that placed the orders or disclosing the dollar amounts of the orders.

American Superconductor has its headquarters on the site of the former Fort Devens military base in Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)