The new module has been tested to meet and exceed the industry’s highest shock (IEC 60068-2-27 and 2-29) and vibration (ISO 16750-3, Tables 12 and 14) ratings for ultracapacitor modules, exceeding the most demanding testing requirements for mass transportation applications, such as in hybrid buses, particularly in China. The enhanced module has been validated through several months of sampling with selected customers and is immediately available.

Maxwell’s DuraBlue Advanced Shock and Vibration Technology combines Maxwell’s unique dry electrode formation and manufacturing process with a patent-pending cell structure design, resulting in a significant increase in vibration immunity of as much as 300 percent and in shock immunity of as much as 400 percent versus most comparable competitive offerings.

The new module will offer advanced capacitor management system (CMS) options for improved reliability, as well as safety enhancements, which include a redundant over-voltage alarm, while maintaining the existing product life characteristics.

Ultracapacitors’ rapid charge and discharge characteristics, long operating lifetime, wide operational temperature range and ruggedness make them an ideal energy storage solution for hybrid buses and other vehicles that employ braking energy recuperation systems. Bringing the entire module system to DuraBlue standards is a demonstration of our commitment to providing customers with the most advanced features and benefits ultracapacitor technology can offer.

—Dr. Franz Fink, Maxwell’s president and CEO

Maxwell’s proprietary, solvent-free, dry electrode fabrication process gives the cells in the 48V module with DuraBlue Advanced Shock and Vibration Technology superior cohesion and adhesion properties, ensuring that both the cells and the module remain intact in the most demanding operating environments.