
The IBexus 24V, 4.1-kWh unit features reliable thermal and cycling performance as well as easy system expandability and comprehensive battery management. These Li-ion cells offer short charge times, small footprint, lighter weight, excellent cycle life and low maintenance.
A U.S. manufacturer and developer of large-format Lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable cells, batteries, and large energy storage systems, introduced the IBexus – a 24V, 4.1 kWh Li-ion battery suitable for power storage from renewable energy sources. The first of a product family from International Battery has eight cells. Tasks could range from sustainable home pilot projects to micro grid load shifting. The first commercialized stock keeping unit (SKU) is a 4.1-kWh module that contains eight 160-Ah cells wired in series. The battery comes standard with contactor, current shunt, and thermal management controls. For communication, the system includes RS232, RS485, CANbus, Modbus or Ethernet communications, a PC graphical user interface and data log for communicating with International Battery’s technical support. A comprehensive battery management system maximizes cell performance, enhances safety and monitors and balances individual cells. A standard set of output parameters is included for quick delivery, although customized features and output can be programmed. Other members of the IBexus product family will include 60 Ah cell capacity and 48V options.
The battery is being evaluated by Drexel University’s Department of Electric & Computer Engineering’s Center for Electrical Power Engineering in Philadelphia. Students are analyzing demand response by evaluating a scaled down model of a residential grid-tied 1.5-kW solar array and inverter that will compare real-time electric rates and regulate usage based on lowest market rates. “This test will validate the features and benefits of Li-ion energy storage compared to lead-acid batteries,” said Chika Nwankpa, professor and director at Drexel University. “Our Renewable Source Control Center project will incorporate the new battery with the idea of controlling and managing energy in a way that reduces cost and helps alleviate the demand on the grid.”
The company says its large-format prismatic rechargeable Li-ion batteries are a good choice for renewable applications requiring energy storage in a compact and modular scalable architecture. To this end, Windfree, a provider of sustainable and renewable energy systems in Chicago, is evaluating the IBexus system for a variety of alternative applications. “We’re developing an off-grid system for a home with solar panels and liquid propane gas co-generators to run vital appliances and well pumps,” says Windfree founder Doug Snower. “We expect the evaluation of the 24-V IBexus to validate the product’s performance to meet the requirements of our off-grid residential projects.” Snower’s company will also display the energy storage system at its Wicker Park, Chicago demonstration center. The center will help educate and demonstrate how to save money on grid-tied and off-grid solutions including smart meters. “The IBexus system will be charged by wind turbines and solar panels mounted on our building. This will be our first demonstration of an ac/dc power system with an inverter and Li-ion battery pack.”
The company says its U.S.-made batteries scale easily from kilowatt-hours to megawatt-hours and work well in Smart Grid, utility energy storage, diurnal energy storage, industrial, military, and land/sea transportation applications. Manufactured with an environmentally friendly, water-based process, International Battery’s ISO 9001:2008 certified Li-ion batteries offer several cell chemistries that are UN Transport certified for shipments globally. The 24V module is available now.
International Battery
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