Maxwell Technologies Shipping K2 Series Large Cell BOOSTCAP Ultracapacitors

Primary applications for Maxwell's K2 series products, which range from 650 to 3,000 farads, include automotive subsystems, hybrid and electric vehicle drive trains, renewable energy systems, back-up power, grid stabilization, electric rail system power and many other transportation and industrial applications that require burst power and heavy cycling that cannot be efficiently provided by a battery or power supply alone. The company is currently shipping K2 cells in production volumes and multi-cell modules ranging from 16- to 125-volts.

The K2 cell design features a rugged welded electrical pathway with increased contact and higher surface area. The K2 replaces Maxwell's previous MC series cell, the most widely sold large cell ultracapacitor in the world with more than 1 million cells currently in service.

Rapidly increasing demand for large cell products provided the impetus for development of an enhanced cell platform that meets the most demanding electrical and environment requirements for a variety of applications and is well-suited for high-volume production, said David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer. The K2 cell offers greatly enhanced mechanical robustness and low resistance for longer cell life and increased electrical performance.