Maxwell Technologies Introduces High Performance 'D-Cell' Ultracapacitors For Automotive Power Network Stabilisation And Industrial Applications

18th May 2006 ROSSENS, Switzerland - Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL) announced today that it has introduced Power-type versions of its BOOSTCAP “D-Cell” ultracapacitor cells, packs and modules to provide high-performance, “life-of-the system” alternatives to batteries for automotive electrical power network stabilisation and industrial applications.

Dr Richard Balanson, Maxwell’s president and chief executive officer, said that the new, flashlight battery size, BCAP0310 P250 310-farad cell and compact, fully integrated, six-cell 15-volt packs and modules provide simple, low-cost, backup power solutions to avoid malfunctions that occur when multiple simultaneous electrical power demands cause a “voltage sag” that can upset microprocessors that manage electrical subsystems in modern vehicles. Industrial applications include power on demand for robotic systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

“With more than 60 million new cars rolling off assembly lines around the world each year, and the proliferation of power-consuming luxury and safety features in current and future vehicles, automotive power network stabilisation represents an immediate and very sizeable opportunity for ultracapacitor-based solutions, so we continue to move aggressively to capitalise on Maxwell’s position as the global technology leader,” Balanson said.

Dr John Miller, Maxwell’s vice president for advanced transportation applications, said that the BCAP0310 P250 is the latest addition to company’s line of Power-type ultracapacitor products whose versatility and high performance make them a compelling alternative to battery-based solutions for hybrid drive systems, idle stop-start, all-electric braking and steering and other applications in addition to power network stabilisation.

“Automakers are turning to ultracapacitors for solutions that optimise efficiency, ensure reliable cold starting, better manage power flows, stiffen and smoothen the power distribution network and provide fail-safe backup for critical safety systems,” Miller said. “Maxwell’s Power products have the lowest equivalent series resistance (ESR) and highest efficiency available with current ultracapacitor technology.”

Other new BOOSTCAP Power products include cells ranging in capacitance from 650 to 2,600 farads and 10 fully integrated modules based on the new cells. All of the cells with a capacitance of 650 farads or greater operate at 2.7 volts, enabling them to store more energy and deliver more power per unit volume than any other commercially available ultracapacitor products. Maxwell also offers a line of low-cost Energy-type products for lighter duty industrial, UPS, telecommunications and consumer electronics applications.

“All of these products meet or exceed demanding transportation and industrial application requirements for both watt-hours of energy storage and watts of power delivery per kilogram and will perform reliably for more than one million discharge-recharge cycles,” Miller said. “The proprietary architecture and material science on which these product families are based also significantly reduce manufacturing cost, positioning Maxwell to compete favourably with batteries and other competing technologies.”

Miller noted that Maxwell’s multi-cell modules for automotive applications are encased in rugged, splash-proof aluminium chassis and include internal cell balancing that give designers “plug and play” solutions, plus module-to-module balancing that makes them versatile building blocks for systems with higher voltage BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors deliver up to 10 times the power and longevity of batteries, require no maintenance and operate reliably in extreme temperatures. In transportation applications, they efficiently recapture energy from braking for reuse in hybrid drive trains, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. They also provide compact, lightweight, “life-of-the vehicle” solutions to stabilize automotive power networks and power new, all-electric subsystems, such as drive-by-wire steering. In mission critical industrial applications, where backup power is critical for continued operation or a soft shutdown in the event of power interruptions, they provide reliable, cost-effective, maintenance-free energy storage. In wind turbine blade pitch and braking systems and other industrial applications, they provide a simple, solid state, highly reliable, solution to buffer short-term mismatches between the power available and the power required.

About Maxwell Technologies:
Maxwell is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, cost-effective energy storage and power delivery solutions. Our BOOSTCAP® ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules and POWERCACHE® backup power systems provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Our CONDIS® high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. Our radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.maxwell.com.

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