US ultracapacitor firm Maxwell Technologies has signed an agreement with electrical systems solutions provider Purkeys to distribute its Engine Start Module (ESM).
Arkansas, US, based Purkeys will help Maxwell expand its North American sales of the ESM and provide individualised attention to fleet customers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The ESM is used alongside lead-acid batteries to aid supply power to truck engine starting, even if the truck’s lead-acid batteries are drained and weakened by cold temperatures or excessive use.
The Californian company’s largest ESM for heavy duty (Class 7-8) applications weighs 21lbs, has a peak power output of 32.8kW and a 15 minute recharge time from battery at 20Ah.
Ultracapacitors (UC) can charge and discharge in fractions of a second, and perform between -40 degrees Celsius to +65 degrees Celsius. Unlike electrochemical batteries, which have a relatively short charge/discharge cycle life, UCs can operate more than 1 million cycles and resist shock and vibration.
Maxwell offers UC cells ranging in capacitance from one to 3,400 farads and multi-cell modules ranging from 12 to 160 volts.
Bruce Purkey, chief creative engineer at Purkeys, said: “Jump-starting and idling represent steep operational costs to trucking fleets, which must maintain their routes and schedules regardless of the strain weather or long hauls put on their vehicles.
“We expect Maxwell’s ESM line to help significantly reduce our industry’s engine cranking challenges, and we look forward to working together to address other energy obstacles facing this market.”
Dr. Franz Fink, president and CEO of Maxwell, said: “The Purkeys team have the experience to support sales, service and applications across the industry. Purkeys will be a valuable partner for Maxwell as we continue to bring innovative energy solutions to the trucking market.”
In addition to distribution, Purkeys will provide value-added integration services to solve electrical system challenges with Maxwell products.