Maxwell Technologies introduced POWERCACHE® ultracapacitor-based backup power modules that provide a space-saving, maintenance-free alternative to batteries for short-term "bridge" power in uninterruptible power supply systems for telecommunications, industrial and medical applications.

POWERCACHE® Products Feature NEBS-Compliant Design and Construction, Provide Lower-Maintenance And Space-Saving Alternative to Batteries for Short-Term 'Bridge' Power

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL) announced today that it has introduced two POWERCACHE® ultracapacitor-based backup power modules that provide a space-saving, maintenance-free alternative to batteries for short-term "bridge" power in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems for telecommunications, industrial and medical applications.


Robert Tressler, Maxwell's vice president of sales and marketing, said that the new 48-volt rack-mount modules, rated at 1.6 and 2.3 kW, are designed and constructed to comply with Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) standards required for telecommunications installations.


"Mission-critical facilities, such as wireless telecommunications base stations, data centers, automated factories and hospitals rely on UPS systems to avoid downtime in the event of power interruptions," Tressler said. "The batteries that currently are used in most of these systems are large and heavy, require regular maintenance and replacement, and are difficult to monitor in terms of state-of-charge. For those reasons, many end-users are looking for more reliable, more compact, lower maintenance alternatives, which is where Maxwell's POWERCACHE products come in."


Tressler said that Maxwell has been collaborating for some time with UPS system integrators, fuel cell and other backup power generator manufacturers to integrate its ultracapacitor-based bridge power systems with long-term backup power sources.


"Fuel cells, diesel generators and micro-turbines all take from a few seconds to a minute to start up and reach their full output, so UPS systems in which they are the primary backup power source all require a complementary short-term source that is instantly available," Tressler explained. "Our POWERCACHE modules stay fully charged and recharge in seconds in case there are multiple grid power interruptions. They also operate reliably for the life of the system with zero maintenance."


Tressler said that telecommunications industry data indicates that the global opportunity for these modules, each of which supports one rack of equipment, totals more than 2.5 million units.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These include development and acceptance of products based on new technologies, demand for original equipment manufacturers' products reaching anticipated levels, cost-effective manufacturing of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and risks and uncertainties involved in foreign operations. These and other risks are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.