Maxwell supplies ultracapacitors for VSS

Maxwell Technologies has announced that Continental AG has selected Maxwell's Boostcap ultracapacitors as the energy-storage element of an automobile voltage-stabilisation system (VSS).

David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer, said that Continental's VSS system stabilises the automobile's electrical system and supports stop-start functionality for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

He said that Continental has advised the company to prepare for delivery of initial series production volumes of Boostcap cells for new car models, starting in 2010.

Stop-start systems reduce fuel consumption and emissions by shutting off the car's internal combustion engine as the vehicle slows, restarting the engine when the driver engages the clutch or touches the accelerator.

In the VSS system, the ultracapacitor module provides burst power to restart the engine, relieving the car's battery of high currents and repeated cycling that can shorten battery life.

It also provides a reservoir of power to ensure stable functioning of the vehicle's electrical system when multiple power demands tax the system.

Schramm said that Maxwell is working with other Tier 1 suppliers, automakers and heavy-vehicle OEMs on ultracapacitor-based solutions for other electrical system applications and various hybrid- and electric-drive systems.

Maxwell Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of energy storage and power-delivery applications.

Its Boostcap ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules are suitable for power-supply applications in consumer and industrial electronics, automotive, transportation and telecommunications.

Maxwell's 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.

Its radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single-board computers that incorporate commercial silicon for aerospace applications.

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