The first of the IBexus product family, the new eight-cell 24V ESS has proven ideal as an evaluation module for several different projects with rechargeable energy storage requirements, ranging from sustainable home pilot projects to micro grid load shifting applications. The first commercialized stock keeping unit (SKU) of the IBexus – the IB 24V 008 ESS – is a 4.1 kilowatt hour system that contains eight 160Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate cells wired in series.
The battery system comes standard with contactor, current shunt and thermal management controls. For easy communication, the system includes RS232, RS485, CANbus, Modbus or Ethernet communications, a PC graphical user interface (GUI) and data log functionality for communication with International Battery’s technical support resources. A comprehensive battery management system (BMS) maximizes cell performance, enhances safety and monitors/balances individual cells. A standard set of output parameters is included for quick delivery, although customized features and output can also be programmed. Other members of the IBexus product family will include 60 Ah cell capacity and 48V options.
“We are very excited to formally launch our new energy storage system to the marketplace,” said International Battery’s Vice President Business Development, John Battaglini. “The initial response to the product’s features and performance has been tremendous and we look forward to further developing additional products within the IBexus product line. Customers are finding that our large-format lithium battery systems are a great alternative to lead-acid batteries based on increased energy density, improved cycle life and robust performance across a wider temperature range.”
The IBexus battery system is currently being evaluated by Drexel University’s Department of Electric & Computer Engineering’s Center for Electrical Power Engineering (CEPOE) in Philadelphia. Students are analyzing demand response by evaluating a scaled down model of a residential grid-tied 1.5 kilowatt solar array and smart inverter that will compare real-time electric rates and regulate usage based on lowest market rates. “This is a running test to validate the features and benefits of Lithium-ion energy storage compared to lead acid batteries,” said Chika Nwankpa, professor and director at Drexel University. “Our Renewable Source Control Center (RSCC) project will incorporate International Battery’s Li-ion battery technology with the idea of controlling and managing energy in a manner that reduces cost and helps alleviate the demand on the grid.”
International Battery’s large-format prismatic rechargeable Li-ion batteries are the perfect choice for renewable applications requiring energy storage in a compact and modular scalable architecture. To this end, WINDFREE, a provider of sustainable and renewable energy systems in Chicago, is currently evaluating the new IBexus system for a variety of alternative applications.
“Right now, we’re in the process of developing an off-grid system for a residential home near Lake Superior incorporating solar panels and liquid propane (LP) gas co-generators to run the home’s vital appliances and well pumps,” said Doug Snower, founder of WINDFREE. “We expect the evaluation of International Battery’s new 24-volt IBexus to validate the product’s performance to meet the requirements of our off-grid residential projects.” In addition to this project, WINDFREE will display the energy storage system at its demonstration center located in Wicker Park, Chicago.
The center will help to educate and demonstrate how to save money on grid-tied and off-grid solutions including smart meters. “We’re pleased to showcase International Battery’s compact Li-ion battery for live renewable solution demonstrations to consumers. The IBexus system will be charged by windmills and solar panels mounted on our building. This will be our first demonstration of an AC/DC power system with an inverter and Li-ion battery pack.”
The IBexus unit features robust thermal and cycling performance as well as easy system expandability and comprehensive battery management. Moreover, these Li-ion cells offer quick charge times, small footprint, lighter weight, excellent cycle life and very low maintenance.
Made in the U.S., International Battery’s Li-ion batteries are easily scalable from kilowatt-hours to megawatt-hours and are ideal for Smart Grid, utility energy storage, diurnal energy storage, industrial, military, and land/sea transportation applications. Employing a unique environmentally friendly, water-based manufacturing process, International Battery’s ISO 9001:2008 certified Li-ion batteries meet a wide array of energy storage needs and offer several cell chemistries that are UN Transport certified for shipments globally.
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.
