[TALLINN, ESTONIA] – March 16, 2017: Skeleton Technologies, Europe’s leading ultracapacitor manufacturer, today announced the launch of SkelStart Engine Start Module 2.0, the most powerful engine start module available.
SkelStart Engine Start Module 2.0 is based on Skeleton Technologies’ market-leading graphene-based SkelCap ultracapacitors, providing the highest power and energy density on the market, and is available in 24V and 12V versions.
The new module features a casing constructed out of non-flammable material that is resistant to vibration and shock, and is a stud terminal device in BCI Group 31 size.
The SkelStart Engine Start Module has also been improved in terms of almost every parameter, with specific values as follows:
| SkelStart ESM 1.0 24V | SkelStart ESM 2.0 24V | |
| Cold Cranking Amps: | 921 A | 1218 A |
| Peak Power: | 65,3 kW | 109,6 kW |
| Cranking Power: | 38 kW | 55,4 kW |
| Cold Cranking Power: | 33 kW | 48,2 kW |
Lead-acid batteries have traditionally been the most commonly used solution for starting internal combustion engines in vehicles, despite their limitations in terms of lifetime, power performance, and working environment. However, ultracapacitor-based engine start modules are growing in popularity due to their ability to provide reliable engine starting in extreme conditions, less downtime and maintenance requirements as well as lower replacement costs and fuel consumption.
“Heavy vehicles operating in the haulage, forestry and marine space need to be reliable and power efficient as any downtime rapidly impacts profits.”
Said Taavi Madiberk, CEO of Skeleton Technologies.
“Based on our market-leading technology, SkelStart Engine Start modules are designed to provide reliable engine starting in even the harshest conditions, as well as reduced ongoing costs on maintenance and replacement. Businesses can therefore expect their equipment to work cost-effectively year-round, affording them peace of mind.”
The SkelStart Engine Start Module will provide vast benefits for industries that rely on large vehicles in extreme conditions. Short battery lifetimes hugely impact vehicles in the haulage industry. Vehicles’ batteries are unable to charge fully during rest periods which damages the batteries and shortens their lifetimes and needing to be replaced every 7-8 months. Ultracapacitor-based Engine Start Modules can start the engine even when batteries are dead, increasing battery lifetimes.
Another common issue in haulage, forestry, and marine vehicles is the need to jumpstart lead-acid battery engines in cold weather. Jump-starting trucks adds downtime while the vehicle cannot be used and often leads to late delivery fees. Similarly, jump-starting forestry and marine vehicles is often an issue due to the remote locations involved.
The SkelStart Engine Start Module can replace a battery, or be installed in addition to existing batteries, to handle all engine starting duties. Skeleton Technologies ultracapacitors are based on patented curved-graphene technology, which offers power density superior not just to batteries but also to other ultracapacitors on the market. Combined with excellent reliability and a very long lifetime, ultracapacitors provide a solution that is not only operationally efficient but also highly cost-effective.
