Cold Weather Automotive Applications

RNS Number : 7989B

CAP-XX Limited

23 April 2012

 



23 April 2012

 

CAP-XX Limited

CAP-XX announces cold weather testing of Stop-Start Automotive Supercapacitor module

CAP-XX is pleased to announce that following the recent development of its supercapacitor based automotive Stop-Start system, the unit has shown considerable performance enhancements over traditional lead acid battery only systems when subjected to low temperature conditions.

In cold climate testing at minus 18C the supercapacitor supported lead acid battery unit delivered a fourfold improvement in lead acid battery life for 7.2volts cold cranking limit and a greater than an 8 times improvement when using the 10volt limit. 7.2volts is the accepted standard for the minimum voltage needed by a starter motor and according to a leading European vehicle manufacturer 10V is regarded as the minimum voltage for reliable Stop-Start vehicle performance.Initial indications are that the supercapacitor itself had considerable durability beyond the extend lifespan of the battery being supported.

Automotive Stop-Start applications represent an important market opportunity for CAP-XX's supercapacitor technology as vehicle manufacturers increasingly adopt Stop-Start systems to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel efficiency.  CAP-XX is now seeking partners to commercialise its technology globally via a Tier-1 automotive component supplier.

Anthony Kongats, CAP-XX Chief Executive said:

"The preliminary results of our cold weather testing reaffirm the performance advantages available from a supercapacitor-enhanced system.  Poor cold weather performance is a well understood shortcoming of battery-only systems, and the extent of performance enhancement offered by the incorporation of our supercapacitor based system appears compelling."

For further information, please contact

CAP-XX Limited Anthony Kongats, Chief Executive Officer	[phone]
Seymour Pierce Ltd (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Nandita Sahgal and Catherine Leftley (Corporate Finance) David Banks and Paul Jewell (Corporate Broking)	[phone]
Kreab Gavin Anderson & Company (Financial PR) Robert Speed, Deborah Walter, Anthony Hughes	[phone]

Notes to Editors:

About CAP-XX Auto Stop-Start supercapacitors

CAP-XX's supercapacitor module removes the dependence of the Stop-Start system on the vehicle's lead-acid battery to supply cranking current to start the engine.  CAP-XX has shown that in extended testing its module reduces wear on the battery, which is a common failing of existing systems. Batteries in many of the existing systems may have a functional life of as little as 18 months because of the intensive demands made on the battery.  As an additional benefit,  the CAP-XX module also provides superior engine starting performance in cold weather, and can be used as an energy store for regenerative braking systems where fitted.

The CAP-XX Stop-Start module has been tested under the New European Drive Cycle standard, and has so far completed in excess of 100,000 Stop-Start cycles at room temperature, with minimal wear on battery performance.  During the test, the CAP-XX module has maintained the battery voltage above 11.8 volts, providing a very reliable voltage platform for the vehicle electrical systems.  Comparative tests of a battery-only system, also at room temperature, show a drop to below 10 volts during the start cycle, after only 44,000 Stop-Start cycles. According to a leading European vehicle manufacturer 10V is regarded as the minimum voltage for reliable Stop-Start vehicle performance.

About Cap-XX

CAP-XX is a world leader in the design and manufacture of thin form prismatic supercapacitors and energy management systems, predominantly for portable and small scale electronic devices.

The unique feature of CAP-XX's supercapacitors is their ability to store high volumes of energy and output high power levels within a thin prismatic design.  These attributes are critical for power-hungry electronic devices, including mobile phones.

Portable devices are one of the fastest growing segments of the electronics market, and provide the greatest opportunities for CAP-XX's products.  CAP-XX's products are already an established enabling technology for the current generation of wireless and portable devices. 

 

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