Completion of 5kW x 4 hour VRB Energy Storage Systems & Establishment of Manufacturing Facility
Wednesday September 1, 4:15 pm ET
VANCOUVER, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - VRB Power Systems Inc. ("VRB Power") is pleased to announce that the development of the integrated, self contained 5kW by 4 hour VRB Energy Storage System will be complete and begin testing in the second week of September 2004. Initial tests of the small cell stacks and other subassemblies in Europe and Canada have verified our designs and targeted performance.
Two additional 5kW x 4 hour VRB-ESS prototypes will be completed by the end of September. The initial three units will be used as follows: one for final development and testing as a cell tower backup system for Magnetek's telecommunication applications, another will be installed in a utility application as a substation battery backup system and the third for demonstration purposes to interested customers.
Identification of sites and specifications of a manufacturing facility for the 5kW cell stacks is currently being undertaken and will be located in British Columbia, Canada. This facility will provide VRB Power with the ability to mass manufacture 5kW cell stacks and VRB-ESS systems at competitive market prices, with additional capabilities of expansion into the manufacturing of larger VRB-ESS components. The company expects to have the manufacturing facility in place and operational by the end of 2004.
The 5kW x 4 hour system will be an integrated, self contained system in a sealed cabinet approximately 6 feet high, 2 1/2 feet wide and 5 feet deep. The compact design of the unit allows for easy mobility and installation within existing infrastructure or buildings. The cabinet is also designed to match the existing footprint of back-up supply systems currently in telecommunication sites. The system is extendable to longer times and larger power ratings as required. The expected advantages of the VRB technology such as long life, low maintenance costs, rapid recharge capability and the "green" nature of the device are all expected to be eagerly received.
In addition to the telecom market which will be accessed through the Magnetek MOU, VRB Power has also identified and received interest in various other markets for the 5kW VRB-ESS units. These include Utility substation backup systems, Remote Area Power Supplies (coupling with small diesel generators to reduce diesel costs and emissions), SCADA remote applications such as pipelines and off grid household applications (coupling with renewable generation such as wind & solar). VRB Power will be able to commence delivery into these markets in late 2004, early 2005.
About VRB Power
Based in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, VRB Power Systems Inc. is an electrochemical energy storage company that has commercialized the patented Vanadium Redox Battery Energy Storage System ("VRB-ESS"). The VRB-ESS is a new enabling technology that can effectively store electricity on demand. The VRB-ESS can provide direct economic benefits to utilities and end users in terms of improved power quality, reliability and energy efficiency. The VRB-ESS is particularly well suited to load levelling (peak shaving), electrical power arbitrage, grid stability enhancements, capital deferment and Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) applications. It is primarily focused on stationary power sources such as utility substations, commercial buildings, production facilities, telecommunication operations, cellular radio sites, and renewable resource generation such as wind farms - creating the ability to provide "firm" capacity. As a "green" technology, the VRB is characterized by the lowest ecological impact of all energy storage technologies and is unlike most other conventional energy storage systems that rely on toxic substances such as lead, zinc or cadmium. VRB Power is publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("VRB") and the OTC Pinksheets ("VRBPF"). |
