Lithium-ion Battery Systems Ready for Military Use

Nov 1, 2011 11:32 PM

International Battery announces the readiness of its NPS 160 Lithium-ion energy storage systems for use in military microgrids. The NPS 160 is the company's next generation 4.1 kilowatt hour system designed for the harsh demands of military applications. It is designed to meet the weight, temperature and environmental extremes experienced by tactical military vehicles. The ruggedized NPS 160 provides one of the highest density energy storage solutions in one of the smallest and lightest weight packages in the industry today.

 The modular, 24-volt energy storage system utilizes International Battery's HyperClass large-format Lithium Iron Phosphate (considered the safest form of Lithium-ion chemistry) cells combined with an advanced thermal management technology to deliver reliable energy in a compact, small footprint package. To meet the strict military specification (Mil-Spec) requirements, the NPS 160 has undergone readiness testing, including live-round fire, submersion and fire.

The remote locations of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) create significant challenges for logistics support of combat operations. These FOBs are dependent on long-distance deliveries of significant quantities of bulk fuel. Convoy routes through unsecured areas are frequently hazardous and transport is expensive. The delivered cost of fuel can easily total ten to a hundred times its original purchase price. FOBs can now advance their sustainability goals by incorporating energy efficient technologies such as solar, wind and energy storage systems. The NPS 160 enables storage of solar and/or wind energy in a package substantially lighter than a typical lead-acid battery solution. The Lithium-ion battery also has greater than five times the cycle life of lead-acid batteries, exhibits significantly improved durability when operating at extreme ambient temperatures - which severely shorten the lifetime of typical lead-acid batteries - and allows for near 100 percent utilization of the nameplate battery capacity. In addition, the NPS 160 modules can be racked or stacked to meet various application requirements.

For use in tactical military vehicles, the ruggedized NPS 160 can power electronic communications systems without reliance on the vehicle's engine for power. This greatly reduces fuel consumption and heat signature - critical for Silent Watch operations - while significantly increasing energy efficiencies which reduce costs and logistics. The NPS unit can also provide substantial backup capacity to a vehicle's start battery.

"Our NPS 160 is the perfect building block for storing energy in military transportation and microgrid applications," said International Battery's Executive Vice President of Business Development & Sales, David McShane. "We can pack 4.1 kilowatts of energy in a 50 kilogram box - making our NPS 160 very attractive. This, combined with its tested ruggedness and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, makes the NPS 160 an ideal choice for demanding military applications."

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