Deep-Cycle Batteries for Renewable Energy

advertisement

Company profile Trojan baTTery

Deep-cycle batteries for renewable energies

T

rojan Battery Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, was founded in 1925 by former submariner George Godber and his brother-in-law Carl Speer. After World

War II, the company pioneered the development of deep-cycle batteries for the golf industry. In the last decade,

Trojan has introduced product lines especially designed to meet the needs of renewable energy storage applications.

Research & Development facility at Trojan’s manufacturing plant

Testing facility at Trojan’s manufacturing plant

120

E lectricity production from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy is intermittent in its nature. The energy storing capacity of batteries is an ideal complement to these technologies, since they provide access to backup power when needed. With the increasing utilisation of renewable energies, batteries have become a key component in energy delivery solutions.

mented an export and distribution strategy focused on sharing its expertise, experience and expanding product portfolio in both developing and developed regions globally. Trojan products are distributed in more than 100 countries and are used in varying applications from residential battery backup in the

U.S. to rural electrification in remote villages in

Africa.

Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California,

Trojan Battery has focused its attention on adapting its technology to meet the specific needs of renewable energy systems. Initially, Trojan sold its original line of deep-cycle flooded batteries into this market, however, the company quickly recognised the need for specific solutions to address the varied requirements inherent in renewable energy. Meanwhile, Trojan’s batteries are specially designed for “deep- cycle” use, meaning their design and construction are optimised for the deep discharge and recharge cycles characteristic of renewable energy systems.

As renewable energy demands increase in many countries of the world, Trojan has imple-

The company is an ardent supporter of the adoption of renewable energy worldwide. Consequently, Trojan is an active member of the Association for Rural Electrification (ARE), a global network of innovative companies and professionals that specialise in rural electrification, working together to provide technological and financial solutions to the world’s rural communities. It is also represented in the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and supports the training efforts of Solar Energy International (SEI) and North American Board of Certified

Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). In order to support the advancement and expanding innovation of deep-cycle battery technologies, Trojan is also a member of the Battery Council International (BCI) and a technical research partner with the Bulgarian

Academy of Sciences.

Trojan offers a complete portfolio of technologically-advanced deep-cycle flooded, AGM and gel batteries that provide maximum long-lasting performance to meet the requirements of advancing renewable energy systems. In the design of this portfolio, the company benefits from its pioneering research, development and manufacturing expertise in emerging market segments around the world.

Sun & Wind Energy 6/2011

Advertorial Advertorial

Decades of experience in battery technology

Outstanding quality and technology innovation are the cornerstones of Trojan’s product development.

The company retains two state-of-the-art research and development centers: the Trojan Technology

Center in Santa Fe Springs, California, and the East

Coast Battery Test Lab in Lithonia, Georgia. To ensure the quality and superior performance of its batteries, Trojan applies the most rigorous testing procedures in the industry adhering to both BCI and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standards. The test results are used by Trojan’s engineers to optimise product design as well as to develop next-generation products. Trojan’s

Premium line of renewable energy batteries is a result of this comprehensive research and product testing strategy.

Initially manufacturing automotive batteries,

Trojan sensed in the 1940s that deep-cycle technology was the wave of the future and focused on this area.

In 1952, the company presented the first deep-cycle golf car battery and this began an era of Trojan’s leadership in developing deep-cycle battery technology.

Today, Trojan’s maroon batteries power a variety of

applications worldwide including renewable energy, golf cars, floor machines, marine propulsion, aerial lift platforms, transportation and recreational vehicles.

Broad portfolio for renewables

“Renewable energy systems rely on daily battery discharge and recharge cycling to power the system. The Trojan line of batteries provides outstanding cycling characteristics, optimum performance and rugged durability,” says Bryan Godber, vice president of renewable energy at Trojan Battery.

Batteries typically used in renewable energy systems fall into two primary groups: flooded lead acid (FLA) and valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, which include AGM and gel technologies.

Trojan offers both types, with the FLA batteries represented in the Industrial, Premium and T2 lines.

Introduced in 2008, Trojan’s Premium line of batteries are engineered for a 10-year life. The design was a direct response to the needs of clients active in the renewable energy field. The Premium line incorporates advanced battery technology optimising performance as well as cycle life under the challenging conditions often found in renewable energy applications.

At InterSolar Europe 2011, Trojan will launch a new Industrial line, which combines the precision and durability of the flooded deep-cycle product portfolio with the power of the high-capacity industrial batteries. The performance of these batteries is ideal for large off-grid home PV systems, off-grid hybrid PV systems, gridtied PV systems with battery backup, smart grid peak shifting systems and a variety of other applications.

The T2 deep-cycle flooded line is the flagship of

Trojan’s product portfolio. Its technology outperforms the typical flooded batteries on the market today. Designed to provide rugged durability and outstanding performance, the T2 is perfectly suited for use in renewable energy systems where lowest life-cycle cost is the key consideration.

For renewable energy applications that require maintenance-free batteries, AGM or gel batteries are the preferred option. Trojan’s AGM batteries are distinguished by optimised performance. A unique combination of thick plates and grid design as well as a glass fiber separator provides a high power density enhancing battery performance and extending cycle life. The batteries are low temperature tolerant, shock and vibration resistant and have a low internal resistance for higher discharge current and higher charging efficiency. Trojan’s gel batteries feature a proprietary gelled electrolyte formulation delivering consistent performance and dramatically extending battery life. These gel batteries provide better cycling performance in off-grid applications and are less sensitive to the high operating temperatures often found in hot climates.

Staffing 600 people worldwide, Trojan Battery’s operations include four ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing plants in California and Georgia. Two advanced R&D centres are dedicated exclusively to deep-cycle battery technologies. International

offices represent the manufacturer in Europe, UAE and Asia.

“Renewable energy systems rely on daily battery discharge and recharge cycling to power the system. The Trojan line of batteries pro­ vides outstanding cycling characteristics, optimum performance and rugged durability.”

Bryan Godber, vice president of renewable energy at

Trojan

Contact:

Trojan Battery Company

Headquarters

12380 Clark Street

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 • USA

Phone: 800-423-6569 (US/Canada)

+562-236-3000 (International)

Email: re@trojanbattery.com

Visit: www.trojanbatteryRE.com

Sun & Wind Energy 6/2011 121

Download