NASA is interested in International Battery’s large-format, high energy density, prismatic cells that provide advanced energy storage along with the company’s comprehensive Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS is specifically designed for large format cells and provides increased safety and performance through individual cell monitoring and continuous cell balancing. The entire system is being deployed as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to maintain backup power for critical ground operations.
“This opportunity to partner with NASA further validates International Battery’s truly large format technology,” said International Battery’s CEO, Ake Almgren. “Our individual cells are ten to fifty times larger than those commonly labeled ‘large format’ today. Employing fewer cells to store the same quantity of energy lowers the cost of integrated battery systems and improves reliability and performance.”
The added feature of International Battery’s environmentally friendly, water-based manufacturing process is of additional significance to NASA. International Battery is currently the only company in the United States that can produce lithium batteries using a water-based process. This method does not require solvents and eliminates the need for a costly disposal process.
The battery prototype will be tested at Kennedy Space Center by the end of 2009 and targeted for implementation at other space centers after successful integration and testing efforts have been achieved.
The company’s Allentown, Pa., factory is the first purpose-built commercial manufacturer of next-generation large-format lithium-ion batteries in the United States, and is helping to reverse the offshore flow of manufacturing capability.
International Battery Awarded $2.1 Million in Federal Funding to Develop Advanced Batteries for U.S. Army
International Battery announced it has been awarded $2.1 million in federal appropriations funding, secured by U.S. Representative Charles W. Dent through the Department of Defense.
This award will fund work aimed at the development for a new Silent Watch system with high energy storage capabilities for use in U.S. combat tactical vehicles.
The Non Primary Power System (NPS 1160) is modeled on International Battery’s large format Iron Phosphate cells and Battery Management System (BMS) technology manufactured in the U.S. The goal of this program is to test and deliver prototypes aimed at creating increased power in military combat and silent watch vehicles. The potential for this technology is very significant in both size and growth in these modular systems. With the added rolling Silent Watch requirements and tight space claims within the military, these systems offer the scalability and modularity to fit multiple platforms.
International Battery’s U.S. based manufacturing facility will offer several advantages in the rapid development of Iron Phosphate batteries including: clean and environmentally safe setting through the use of its water based manufacturing process; higher energy density and longer life cycle than those achieved from current conventional lead-acid batteries.
"Congressman Dent has been a great advocate for International Battery and our innovative battery manufacturing technology," said International Battery’s CEO, Ake Almgren. “We’re honored by the recognition of Congressman Dent and the Department of Defense for our capabilities to help enhance our country’s security and provide increased operational effectiveness for our troops in the field."
International Battery’s award is among an initial base contract with several options to follow that will allow a path for International Battery’s strength of engineering and manufacturing to lead Silent Watch technologies into the future. The total funding package will help to create International Battery’s future capability of adding more high-paying jobs in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This technology footprint represents additional market growth capability for the commercial markets, such as trucks, buses and future stationary power applications.
"With companies like International Battery, our region is leading the way in the development of advanced, innovative technology for use by the military," Congressman Dent stated. "The rollout of this important technology will also help provide a model for commercial uses. This is an important investment toward meeting our nation’s overall goal of replacing petroleum as our primary energy source in the transportation sector."
About International Battery
Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., International Battery is a U.S. manufacturer, designer, and developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable cells and batteries for use in a wide range of transportation, industrial, electric utility, smart grid and military applications, employing a uniquely environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
In addition to historical information, this release may contain forward-looking statements. International Battery may, from time-to-time, make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements encompass International Battery’s beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding future events. Words such as "expects," "intends," "believes," "anticipates," "should," "likely" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to International Battery as of such date. International Battery assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Actual results may vary, and may vary materially, from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected for a number of reasons.
