Search Results for: "ABSL+Power+Solutions"
CyVolt the US Air Force backed Fuel Cell
Relevance Score: 3.298 2010-02-17 10:20:49
Neah Power Systems, Inc., (’Neah’) (OTCBB:NPWZ), the company developing fuel cell-based renewable energy solutions, today further elaborated on its decision to acquire CyVolt Energy Systems. CyVolt Energy Systems (’CyVolt’) is a cleantech company developing fuel cell-based portable power products for the consumer and military electronics market, which includes a contract from the U.S. Air Force enabling CyVolt, with Neah’s expertise, to potentially provide and deploy compelling remote-power solutions. “CyVolt is excited to be teaming with Neah Power and looks forward to leveraging its top-notch laboratory infrastructure and engineering expertise in furthering both companies’ technologies,” said Art Rancis, Chairman of CyVolt. “CyVolt’s hybrid fuel cell technology, when combined with Neah’s proven commercialization expertise, has the real potential to provide compelling solutions for myriad applications, including military, where portable, long-lasting power sources remain a critical issue.”
New Development Breaks Battery and Energy Storage Boundaries
Relevance Score: 2.696 2009-08-12 14:30:25
Ioxus, Inc., developers, manufacturers and commercializers of innovative ultracapacitor technologies for a wide range of energy storage markets, today launched its first family of Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs) and power modules for military, transportation and alternative energy applications. Ioxus' family of ultracapacitors provides smaller-sized solutions with more capacitance and greater power densities over competitors. Higher Power Density Ioxus' ultracapacitors provide energy storage to improve the efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles by recycling the energy captured during braking and lowering peak power requirements on hybrid-diesel, fuel cell or battery-based vehicles. By stabilizing the power output of these systems with ultracapacitors, fuel-cell and battery-based applications realize significant increases in life cycles. When used in combination with batteries or other energy sources, Ioxus EDLCs reduce power drain from the energy source and extend its available life up to 400 percent. Made in the U.S. Ioxus stands alone in providing 100 percent U.S.-made ultracapacitors that extend the charge time and reduce the use of batteries for electronics, hybrid vehicles, wind farms, material handling equipment and other green technologies. As a subsidiary of Custom Electronics, Inc., which has supplied commercial and military clients with high-reliability capacitors and integrated electronic solutions since 1964, Ioxus manufactures price competitive products that have higher capacitance and adhere to rigorous quality standards. The company also is working towards AS9100 and ISO-9001 certification. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded up to $1.5 million to Ioxus in April 2009 to support the company's manufacturing facilities. As a result of the NYSERDA program, Ioxus raised $5 million in venture capital funding to support manufacturing and development of its solutions. "Attention to alternative energy sources is increasing rapidly as the world searches for sustainable, renewable solutions," said Linnea Brush, senior research analyst of Darnell Group. "This launch further validates that the market continues to grow and that there is large demand for promising ultracapacitor and battery technologies from economic and environmental perspectives."
Military Forces Move into Power
Relevance Score: 2.688 2009-04-03 00:59:37
Clean, high-quality, portable power which is flexible, lightweight and reliable – this is the requirement of armies the world over. The demand to combine maximum adaptability with high power is leading to power junkies promoting fuel cell technology around the globe. For the military it is not just about being green, instead, fuel cells offer the chance to revolutionise the battlefield. The potential benefits offered by fuel cell technology are being increasingly reflected in defence budgeting. As part of an ongoing programme that began back in 1997, the US army recently signed a $91m contract with DRS Technologies to manufacture more than 5,000 tactical quiet generators (TQG) in 3kW, 5kW, 10kW, 15kW and 100kW power output sizes. By the end of 2009, DRS will deliver in excess of 30,000 TQG units. "For the military, fuel cells offer the chance to revolutionise the battlefield."This not only represents an ongoing commitment the US Army's communications electronic command (CECOM) to source rugged and reliable portable sources of electrical power, it also highlights the benefits that such modular, portable power sources can bring to the battlefield. These include reductions in the cost of battlefield logistics, increased deployment flexibility and most crucially advantage over enemy forces. Harnessing the power It was after the early 1960s that fuel cell technology took a giant leap forward when Nasa became instrumental in its development during research using hydrogen in its space shuttles. Today's cells can use a range of fuels – from methane, biogases and methanol to other renewable hydrocarbons. Fuel cells are also available for power generation ranging from just 1kW right up to massive multi-megawatt systems. The power units come in many different guises and are usually named after the electrolyte that they use, for example, solid oxide or molten carbonate. Each fuel cell also has distinct characteristics, chiefly due to differences of materials and operating temperatures. What they all share in common, however, is the potential for high electrical efficiency and reduced emissions. In a combat setting this can provide a major advantage. The more developed and sophisticated the average soldier's equipment is, the more acute the need for effective power solutions. Fuel cells also have two other attractive qualities – low noise and heat signatures – making operatives in the field less visible to enemy detection. Unlike batteries, fuel cells can operate continuously as long as fuel cartridges are readily available. Typically, portable cells offer significant weight reduction, very high energy density and can give a continuous power supply without the need for battery recharge during active operations. This is mission critical in an environment where an ever-growing component of a soldier's load is taken up with primary and backup power sources for communications equipment, global positioning systems and computer gear. "The potential benefits offered by fuel cell technology are being increasingly reflected in defence budgeting."Protonex is a manufacturer of compact, lightweight, high-performance fuel cells for portable power applications. In April 2008 the US Army signed a contract to take forward development of Protonex's Pulse M250 fuel cell system. It works using proton exchange membrane cells running on methanol fuel, capable of holding far more energy than batteries. Second phase development – funded by a contract for $3.65m – will see the 250W package further refined. Defence giant Raytheon is also involved and is tasked to ensure design optimisation and systems testing. More recently Protonex announced its intention to move the M250 into the commercial vehicle market and unveiled its new M250-B fuel cell in December. Using the same core technology as its military counterpart, it will be the first fuel-cell based power system to be introduced to the consumer market and is scheduled for launch in early 2009. The UK Ministry of Defence has funded the 'portable power systems programme', bringing together some of the major players including ABSL, QinetiQ, Jadoo and Ultracell. Looking to deliver the next generation of portable power systems for the British army, it is anticipated that ten rugged power sources will be delivered for field trials during 2009. One of these, the PPS15, will be a 7.2W average, 30W peak power source. With modification to the firmware it can also be configured as a 15W average power source suitable for use in the land warrior and other high power needs. UltraCell is providing the engine core (reformer and stack), with ABSL providing firmware input and military-specific ruggedisation. PPS15 is expected to offer a significant weight decrease over conventional batteries, waterproofing to IP67, immediate power output and ability to start in extreme temperatures up to -20°C. Power potential of the future The potential to unlock the power of fuel cells has massive implications, not just economical and environmental but also financial. There is a huge pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow for those companies that strike the right seam. It is the US that sinks more money into development than any other country but Japan is fairly close behind particularly in the automotive industry. There are hundreds of companies looking to make a breakthrough and Germany's Smart Fuel Cell is just one of them. Together with US partner DuPont, it beat off competition from 169 other contenders to win the US Department of Defense's $1m Wearable Power Prize to develop a portable power pack for individual soldiers. The design brief was to come up with a solution that could be attached to combat webbing and provide an average 20W of power for 96 hours while also meeting a peak demand of 200W. Weighing less than 4kg, the M-25 methanol based cell still had plenty in the tank after the rigorous 96-hour test. Alongside this funding programme, research grants are popping up around the world. QuantumSphere received just shy of a million dollars from the US government for a two-phase programme. "Today's cells can use a range of fuels – from methane, biogases and methanol to other renewable hydrocarbons."The first is up and running and will investigate the synthesis and electrochemistry of components for a 5W cell. The second phase will look at developing a 200W methanol reforming fuel cell to power electronic devices. A development in Australia is looking to push the boundaries even further for the soldier of the future. Although it is not yet complete, the flexible integrated energy device is a vest designed to generate electricity by harvesting energy from body vibrations and the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization is using A$4.4m to develop the idea. Principal research scientist, Dr Adam Best, says the technology will be incorporated into a piece of clothing and comprise three core components: advanced, conductive fabrics as part of the battery, a vibration energy harvesting device and a rectifier / power management system to power electronic equipment. "This kind of technology has important applications for soldiers in the field and could mean they no longer need to carry heavy batteries," he says. "Essentially, they'll be wearing the battery, not carrying it." It has been reported that over 70% of the tonnage required to position the US Army into battle is taken up by fuel. With more efficient weapons systems and equipment it is easy to see the benefits fuel cells could bring. The soldier of the future will rely not only technology to power life-saving equipment but also technology that offers silent operation and low heat signatures. And this, ultimately, is the true life-saving potential portable fuel cell power can offer.
International Rectifier Opens State-of-the-Art Producing Facility for High Reliability Products in San Jose, California
Relevance Score: 2.354 2010-04-08 22:43:20
International Rectifier, a world leader in power management technology, today announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, dedicated to the design and manufacture of high reliability products for space, aerospace, military and heavy duty industrial applications. The new 35,000ft(2 )site is DSCC certified Class H and Class K and AS9100, ISO9001 qualified to design and manufacture ruggedized hybrid DC-DC converters for customers of IR's HiRel Business Unit. "Leveraging IR's twenty years of heritage in high reliability applications, and working in partnership with our expert team of designers in Denmark, our new San Jose facility will play a pivotal role in the manufacture and supply of high reliability DC-DC converters to the space, aerospace, military and heavy duty industrial markets," informed John Conley, VP of Operations and Engineering, IR's HiRel Business Unit. Fred Farris, VP of Sales and Marketing, IR's HiRel Business Unit informed: "The investment in our new state-of-the-art facility in San Jose underlines our commitment to the design and manufacture of leading-edge power management solutions for high reliability markets." The IR HiRel San Jose-based group is supported by a design center in Skovlunde, Denmark for spacecraft power system designs and complex power conversion system solutions, and a silicon design center in El Segundo, California. IR's high reliability products, ranging from stand-alone discrete components to complex hybrid power module assemblies and rugged DC-DC converters, utilize leading-edge power technology which, together with demanding environmental specifications, help space, military, commercial aircraft, heavy duty industrial and medical device design engineers meet their toughest design challenges. About International Rectifier International Rectifier is a world leader in power management technology. IR's analog and mixed signal ICs, advanced circuit devices, integrated power systems and components enable high performance computing and reduce energy waste from motors, the world's single largest consumer of electricity. Leading producers of computers, energy efficient appliances, lighting, automobiles, satellites, aircraft and defense systems rely on IR's power management benchmarks to power their next generation products. IR(R) is a registered trademark of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.
MRV Displays Secure IP Intelligence at 7 Military Technology Expos
Relevance Score: 2.292 2009-07-24 12:57:13
MRV Communications said that it is participating in seven military technology expos organized by National Conference Services throughout Germany between July 20 and July 31. MRV is a networking company with a full line of packet-optical transport (POTS), carrier Ethernet, 40G networking and out-of-band networking products. The company will showcase its FIPS 140-2 certified LX Series of out-of-band networking solutions for use in console management and sensor/alarm applications. Also highlighted at the events will be the company's LambdaDriver optical transport and TereScope free space optics (FSO) solutions for building high-speed backbone networks. MRV will exhibit at the Ramstein Air Base, Spangdahlem Air Base, Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Grafenwoehr Army Garrison, Patch Barracks, Mannheim Area Army Community and Campbell Barracks. MRV stated that its out-of-band solutions provide secure IP intelligence for the command, control, and defense of operational support infrastructure, by providing real-time awareness and state change event notification. They have also been used in military sensor management applications for both wet and dry contact alarms and sensors. The company's solutions unify operational awareness and maximize control across the IT infrastructure, power systems, HVAC, alarm, security, and environmental systems. MRV said that its LX Series solution is the only one of its kind with FIPS 140-2 certification, DISA JITC testing, and STIG compliance that is proven in tactical and enterprise operating environments. "The military has always been a critical market for MRV as we've been delivering solutions to the US government for the past 20 years," said Noam Lotan, CEO of MRV Communications. "MRV is pleased to participate in these expos and showcase the newest, most innovative technologies for these mission critical networks."
Communications & Power Industries Receives $3.8 Million
Relevance Score: 2.270 2010-04-06 15:16:37
Communications & Power Industries, Inc. (CPI), a subsidiary of CPI International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPII), has been awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract by Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) to support the U.S. Navy's Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP). To date, CPI has received $3.8 million in orders to deliver satellite communications amplifiers for the Force Level Variant (FLV, for large ships) and Unit Level Variant (ULV, for medium-sized ships) portions of the military communications program. Under the contract, CPI is providing C-band, Ku-band and Tri-band (capable of operating at C-band, X-band and Ku-band frequencies) outdoor amplifiers for Harris' shipboard satellite communications terminals for CBSP. Work is being performed at CPI's Satcom Division in Georgetown, Ontario and Microwave Power Products Division in Palo Alto, Calif. CPI is a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. CBSP is expected to deliver a tenfold increase in broadband communications capabilities for ships at sea, enabling faster and greater transmission of voice, video and data. CBSP satellite communications terminals will augment the U.S. Navy's existing military satellite communications, supporting essential mission requirements and permitting seagoing warfighters to share information and intelligence more quickly and efficiently. The terminals are also intended to improve the quality of life for these warfighters by increasing shipboard access to email, Web browsing, Voice over IP (VoIP) and other online activities. Under its satellite communications roadmap strategy, the U.S. Navy intends to consolidate the number of existing satellite communication terminal programs from five programs to two: CBSP and the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) program. CPI delivers amplifiers to support both CBSP and NMT. About CPI International, Inc. CPI International, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is the parent company of Communications & Power Industries, Inc., a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. Communications & Power Industries, Inc. develops, produces and distributes products used to generate, amplify, transmit and receive high-power/high-frequency microwave and radio frequency signals and/or deliver power and control for various applications. End-use applications of these systems include the transmission of radar signals for navigation and location; transmission of deception signals for electronic countermeasures; transmission and amplification of voice, data and video signals for broadcasting, Internet and other types of commercial and military communications; delivering power and control for medical diagnostic imaging; and generating microwave energy for radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and for various industrial and scientific applications.
Plasan Wins Best Provider of Vehicle Survivability Protection Solutions
Relevance Score: 2.126 2009-05-21 11:40:59
Plasan’s CEO, Dani Ziv, said when receiving the award: “We are convinced that our advanced survivability solutions save lives and provide the best defense for fighting forces as they carry out their tasks on the battlefield. We are very proud to receive this award,” he said and added, “…and we see it as proof of the trust which our customers, worldwide, place in us with respect to the quality and reliability of our solutions, and to the advanced technology on which they are based.” Plasan received the award at the conclusion of the three-day international conference on ballistic protection technologies for vehicles (which took place on January 22nd-25th) where world-leading protection technologies companies from around the globe presented cutting edge developments in the area of vehicle protection.
Neah Power Systems Receives $10 Million Commitment
Relevance Score: 2.016 2010-01-21 23:25:34
Neah Power Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: NPWZ) has reached agreements separately with Ebeling Heffernan, a public markets Consultancy company based in Bangkok, Thailand, and First Equity Trust to purchase from the company up to $10 million of Neah Powers common stock between January 26, 2010 and January 25, 2011, with a firm commitment of a minimum of $500,000 at a $1.00 per share (restricted stock) by January 26, 2010. The company also reported that it has received a total of $200,000 from the investors, at a valuation of $1.00 per share in restricted stock. Ebeling Heffernan last October sponsored Neahs introduction to the Asian market with a presentation to energy producers and government agencies from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, China and Japan. The companys unique technology and products are partially funded by the U.S. Navy, which with Intel Capital, Novellus Systems, Frazier Technology Ventures, Castile Ventures, have invested more than $40M into the company. Neahs patent-protected anaerobic fuel cells are especially suited to transportation, being able to operate in airless conditions, such as in space and underwater, and are attractive to other transportation implementations (automobiles, trucks, two wheelers, forklifts, etc.) as hybrid implementations where the fuel cell is used to keep a battery constantly charged, and the battery then drives the motor. Neah Power Systems, Inc. is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices.
Textron Defense Systems Is Able To Deliver More Than 100 Kilowatts With J-HPSSL High-Power Laser
Relevance Score: 1.991 2010-03-15 17:30:07
Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, informed that its Directed Energy Weapons business line has successfully tested its Joint High-Power Solid State Laser (J-HPSSL) laboratory demonstration device at average power levels in excess of 100 kilowatts. The J-HPSSL program, which is funded by the Joint Technology Office under contract with the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, was awarded to Textron Defense Systems in late December 2005. Textron Defense Systems' J-HPSSL leverages the company's proprietary THINZAG(R) solid state laser technology. As a single-aperture power oscillator, the THINZAG optical configuration delivers an extraordinary path for scaling solid state lasers to high average power for use in the most stressing mission applications and severe environmental battlefield conditions. "Our THINZAG technology enables us to achieve and sustain high laser power and beam quality in a compact, ruggedized configuration suitable for the operational environment," informed Dr. John Boness, Textron Defense Systems vice president, Directed Energy Weapons. "As a result, this technology offers the promise of bringing reliable and precise directed energy weapons from the laboratory to the field -- from an exciting possibility to a confidence-building reality for warfighters." "Our Directed Energy Weapons group has a broad base of laser expertise, firmly grounded in the company's long history of laser technology research and development," informed Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone of Textron Defense Systems. "Having reached this high average power goal, we enthusiastically look forward to additional successes as our THINZAG technology continues to mature." Textron Defense Systems has decades of laser technology expertise, dating back to its earliest predecessor, the Avco Everett Research Laboratory. Today, the company participates in two of the largest solid state directed energy weapon development programs in the United States: the Joint Technology Office J-HPSSL program and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System, or HELLADS, program. About Textron Defense Systems Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry expertise to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art smart weapons; airborne and ground-based sensors and surveillance systems; and protection systems for the defense, aerospace and homeland security communities. Its innovative systems for the military provide precision effects, actionable intelligence and force protection. About Textron Systems Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to deliver consumers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com
'Conductive ink' solar panels capture sun power for servicemembers
Relevance Score: 1.988 2009-07-17 15:19:48
Air Force and civilian scientists have developed a ready-to-use, cost-reducing technology that captures and stores solar energy to power global positioning system components, portable communications and other devices used by U.S. servicemembers. Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate officials provided guidance and funding to Plextronics, Inc., and the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center to develop a special "conductive ink" that can be used to make printed organic photovoltaic solar cell panels on very thin, flexible surfaces using ink-jet printing, said 2nd Lt. Christopher A. Vaiana of the Directorate's Nonmetallic Materials Division. This new technology, called Plexcore®, developed and manufactured by Plextronics, allows solar cells to form-fit servicemembers' uniforms. It can also be used to print solar panels onto thin films in military tents, Lieutenant Vaiana said. Plextronics' primary focus is organic solar cell and organic light emitting diodes, and more specifically, the conductive inks and process technologies that enable such applications. "Solar power and solid-state lighting offer substantial promise as approaches toward the development of practical alternative energy technology," Lieutenant Vaiana said. "Combined with the low-cost manufacturing methods of printed electronics, solar and solid-state lighting panels could become economical and environmentally compatible solutions to current day and future energy challenges." "Military and commercial operations demand portable, highly efficient power sources. Using the power provided by natural sunlight via solar cells is an attractive option, yet has thus far been restricted by cost and size," Lieutenant Vaiana said. "Plextronics' new technology represents a significant step forward in printing inexpensive solar cells capable of powering a wide range of portable devices such as cell phones and radios. Key outcomes include lower costs and reduced logistical footprints for military operations across the battlefield environment," he added.