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Archive for the ‘Power’ Category

Protonex Launches Updated EOD Kit

Tuesday, April 4th, 2017

The Universal Power Kit, based on Protonex’ industry-leading SPM-622 Squad Power Manager, dramatically reduces the weight and clutter of batteries, chargers and power adapters currently used by military EOD teams.

The original SPM-612 EOD kit, pioneered by Protonex in partnership with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Naval Sea Systems Command (NavSea) and Navy EOD Training & Evaluation Team Two, was deployed to all Navy EOD teams in 2014. The teams subsequently reported a reduction in charger and adapter weight from 45-lbs. to 9-lbs., with a correspondingly large decrease in space taken up in the EOD team vehicle.

The Navy EOD teams were also the first to request that Protonex package each intelligent power manager kit in a rugged “roll kit”, keeping the equipment organized and ready for use while decreasing volume and weight. More than 90% of all power management kits shipped to every branch of the U.S. military and many allied militaries are now requested in nylon roll kits.

The updated EOD Universal Power Kit includes the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager, with additional power-handling and intelligence, as well as full waterproofing (the SPM-622 can be used while submerged up to 1-meter). Additional equipment support also now includes the latest Minehound® and other metal detectors, as well as DeWalt® and Snap-On® tool batteries and other EOD-specific equipment.

“The new enhanced EOD universal power kit builds on the capability established with the original SPM-612 kit and gives today’s EOD teams the most advanced universal power solution available,” said Michael Skinkle, Protonex EOD Account Manager. “When used in conjunction with our Adaptive Battery Charger, EOD teams have a total power management solution that is more efficient and rugged than other options.”

The SPM-622 EOD kit (Protonex part number 010-458) is available directly from Protonex or through GSA Advantage, the NSN Class IX Schedule from ADS, Darley Defense and Federal Resources.

For further information about the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager, and the full range of Protonex power management solutions, visit www.PTXnomad.com.

Revision and Kokam Formalize Strategic Partnership For Continued Lithium-Ion Innovation

Tuesday, November 29th, 2016

Ottawa, Canada (November 28, 2016) – Revision Military, a recognized innovator in power management and electronics solutions and platforms, has formalized a strategic partnership with leading South Korean lithium-ion cell manufacturing company, Kokam. Under this agreement, Revision and Kokam will build on their near-decade-long working relationship. Revision and Kokam will continue to collaborate on technologically progressive air and ground power platforms, and will incorporate cutting-edge chemistry technology into advanced energy solutions for military use.


Above: Revision’s Nerv Centr™ SWatPack™ Silent Watch Vehicle Battery enclosure—shown here in a Light Assault Vehicle configuration—is designed to be platform-specific.

Over the last decade, Revision has incorporated Kokam’s large form-factor lithium-ion cell technology in the design and development of high-end military power platforms. This has resulted in energy solutions that feature greater power performance, high energy density, high gravimetric and volumetric power density, longer cycle and calendar life, low impedance and heat generation, lightweight, low self-discharge rates, and extremely efficient heat dissipation. Revision has taken this excellent foundation and developed industry-accelerating power management solutions specifically engineered for use in rugged, remote, and extreme conditions. Together, Kokam and Revision have made significant progress in using lithium-ion technology to deliver operational effectiveness on the battlefield, and are solving power management issues that have plagued operators since electrical energy became a battlefield necessity.


Above: Revision’s Nerv Centr™ SWatPack™ Silent Watch Vehicle Battery (shown open) is modular, scalable, and features interoperable SWatPack units for reliable, redundant power backup.

“With two strong, innovative power management collaborators like Revision and Kokam working together, new and intelligent power solutions for operational survivability can be accomplished,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO, Revision. “In formalizing this strategic relationship, we can address our customers and their operational needs for an ever-more connected and electric battlefield. Kokam has a sterling reputation for providing battery solutions for a wide variety of military applications to leading international defense contractors and Ministries of Defense; this partnership reinforces Revision’s focus on the military power market, and reinforces the approach we have taken so far that has resulted in significant contracts. We’re excited to cultivate this partnership further, and to seize this opportunity to fuel continued growth, specifically for vehicular platform power innovation, as demand surges globally for reliable, lightweight, high-endurance electrical power solutions to meet battlefield needs. Together with Kokam, we will deliver warfighter power solutions with a lean logistical footprint and real operational benefit, thereby relegating back-breaking loads of batteries and inefficient vehicle systems to the past.”


Above: Individual Revision Nerv Centr™ SWatPack™ power units can be scaled up for any application.

Revision and Kokam will build on the past successes the two companies have had together. Kokam’s patented Z-folding manufacturing technique and advanced Lithium Polymer and thin film laminations will continue to feature in Revision’s operationally focused Nerv Centr™ energy solution programs for the foreseeable future. In formalizing this partnership, Revision and Kokam are mutually poised to expand market reach on a global scale in the constantly-evolving military power management industry.

ZTS – Mini Battery Tester

Monday, September 19th, 2016

With all of the electronics we use these days, power collection and management is a serious concern. Because so many work-related items use standard commercial batteries, this is an item which is just as useful at home as on the job.

Kitbadger recently conducted a review of the Mini Battery Tester by ZTS. It allows you to quickly ascertain the status of the batteries you have on hand.

The MBT ests 1.5v alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, N), 1.2v NiMH/NiCd, 3v photo lithium, and 9v alkaline. Interstingly, it uses 4 AAA batteries.

The MBT is available though Amazon.com.

Thanks Ivan!

ORSM – Blue Freedom

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Standing alone in the plethora of solar panels offered by various manufacturers at Outdoor Retailer is Blue Freedom, a personal water turbine which can be placed in running water to generate power (5 watts).  The internal lithium polymer batter has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.

Blue Freedom is 7.75 inches across and weighs 20 ounces.  Currently, Blue Freedom is not designed to generate power from the wind, but they told me they are working on it.

blue-freedom.net

ORSM – EnerPlex Jumper Quad+

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Power collection, storage and distribution in remote environments continues to be a major product category at OR.  The Jumper Quad+ from EnerPlex caught the eye of quite a few military users because it can be used to recharge AA and AAA batteries in the field as well as serving as a battery pack in its own right.

The Jumper Quad+ features a 5,000 mAh battery with a 2 Amp output via USB port.

www.EnerPlex.com

The BaseLantern from BioLite

Thursday, May 19th, 2016

BioLite has introduced a new technology to Kickstarter called the BaseLantern.

The BaseLantern is four times smaller than competitive lights yet incorporates bluetooth control and analytics high are used to create a miniature smartgrid built for outdoor environments. BioLite offers several different lighting options that can all connected.

BioLite also introduced a new technology to their devices called Edge-Lighting. It’s the same principle found in fiber optics which enables them to wrap their lenses tightly around the battery and LEDs, getting rid of the cavernous spaces typically found in lanterns.

Here are some features of this smartgrid.

1) Proximity Activation: The BaseLantern can geolocate to users and automatically turn itself off or on based on your relative proximity. It’s your very own beacon, clutch for hiking back to camp late-night.

2) Energy Feedback: When you’re outdoors and away from an outlet, managing your battery life is critical. The App gives you runtime right down to the minute and calibrates in real-time according to brightness settings and if you’re charging any external devices. No guess how much juice is left and you can optimize burntimes to last the length of your trip.

3) Color Spectrum Control: You can adjust the warmth of your light for task or ambience settings, turn it to red for night vision, or cycle through full colors if you’re looking to have a little fun. It all happens from an intuitive dial display that requires no learning curve.

4) Light Extension: The BaseLantern can integrate with BioLite SiteLights, compact string-lighting, and create an even wider perimeter of light, lighting large communal areas or utilizing a hub-and-spoke setup to light individual sites.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/biolite/biolite-baselantern-smartgrid-goes-off-grid

Solace’s Cutting Edge Technology Recognized By Sikorsky

Thursday, March 3rd, 2016

Solace Power, a wireless power technology company has been announced as top cutting edge technology for 2015 by Sikorsky Innovations. You can read the full release below:

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (PRWEB) March 01, 2016

Solace Power, developer of leading edge wireless power technology announces that it has been recognized as a top innovative technology company by Sikorsky Innovations, a Lockheed Martin Company. As the winner of the Sikorsky Entrepreneurship Challenge, Solace Power has been awarded a monetary prize, and the opportunity to jointly explore the impact of RC2 technology on Sikorsky’s product line.

“The Sikorsky Entrepreneurial Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for Solace Power to showcase its unique wireless power technology, and earn validation from one of the world’s most innovative companies.” said Neil Chaulk, Vice President of Business Development. “We are looking forward to working with Sikorsky to develop leading edge technology in the aerospace and defense market.”

Solace’s technology allows companies in the aerospace/defense, automotive, industrial and consumer electronics markets to eliminate the need for cables and connectors in many applications. Companies can take advantage of Solace’s spatial freedom and flexible integration capabilities to reduce manufacturing/maintenance costs, reduce cabling weight, and improve overall application design for the next generation of products.

“The Entrepreneurial Challenge, from an industry perspective, is truly a one-of-kind gateway, where disruptive ideas can quickly gain exposure and a customer base within one of the most exciting transportation verticals globally,” said Chris Van Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations. “We look forward to exploring the applications of the exciting Solace Power technology.”

The Sikorsky Entrepreneurial Challenge has been designed to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology concepts with applications in the vertical flight market.

www.solace.ca

Biolite Announces 3 New Products

Friday, February 19th, 2016

Biolite has released three new products that were previewed at last year’s OR Summer Market. The PowerLight Mini, SolarPanel 5 and CookStove make up the BioLite Energy Ecosystem. Each can be used alone to cook, charge and light or in conjunction with the others.

PowerLight Mini

 

The PowerLight Mini is a credit card-sized rechargeable lantern.

Features:
Four lighting modes: white lantern, red night vision, strobe, and point light for maximum visibility
135 lumens
Slim Li-Ion battery that provides up to 52 hours of light, or a 50% power boost to most smartphones
Battery: 1350 mAh, USB rechargeable
Inputs/outputs: Micro USB in, USB out
Bike mount included
Weight: 2.82 oz.
Dimensions: 3.35″ high x 2.10″ wide x .59″ wide
Colors: Red, Teal, Yellow, Grey
MSRP: $44.95

SolarPanel 5/5+

 

The SolarPanel 5 and 5+ are mono crystalline solar panels.  The 5 delivers 5 watts of electricity and the SolarPanel 5+ features an onboard battery storage.

Features:
5 watt, high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. Can power phones, tablets and cameras, etc., as well as BioLite gear
Integrated sundial helps capture direct rays
360 Kickstand that provides easy positioning on uneven terrain, or the ability to hang from a tree or backpack
Auto-reconnect feature keeps panel charging after cloudy skies pass
5+ Model Only: On-board energy storing via a 2200mAh USB rechargeable battery (enough for a full smartphone charge)
5 Model Only: Auto-reconnect feature automatically reengages the device after cloudy skies pass
Dimensions: 10.12” x 8.19” x 0.94” (fits easily in laptop sleeves)
Weight: 5 Model is 12 oz., 5+ Model is 13.2 oz.
MSRP: SolarPanel 5 ($59.95), SolarPanel 5+ ($79.95)
Available: February 16, 2016

CookStove

 

The CookStove is a streamlined version of the company’s flagship CampStove at a lower price point to attract current gas stove users.

Features:
One charge provides up to 30 hours of clean wood cooking – the equivalent of 20 100g gas canisters
Four fan speeds to control the flame size, from rapid boil to campfire feel
Weight: 1.6lbs (725g)
MSRP $99.95

www.bioliteenergy.com