Firefly Selects Crown Battery as Manufacturing Partner for Carbon-Graphite Foam Batteries
Firefly Energy Inc. announced that it has executed its newest contract with Crown Battery Company Inc. to enable prototype and production support of Firefly’s "3D" battery technology to serve the commercial deep cycle markets. Specific terms were not disclosed.
Firefly claims that its 3D carbon-graphite foam lead acid battery, the first of several battery technology innovations from the company’s technology portfolio for lead acid batteries, will be particularly valuable in commercial deep cycle applications because of the dramatic advantages it offers over conventional lead acid battery technology. Firefly’s carbon-graphite lead acid battery technology uses a three dimensional high surface area foam material that unleashes the high power potential of lead acid chemistry that was impossible in the past. The porous, conductive nature of the foam electrode enables faster, deeper and more reliable discharges and recharges. Battery life is extended since sulfation is reduced, the carbon-graphite foam makes the battery more environmentally friendly, and the battery is less expensive than lithium and nickel battery chemistries.
Examples of end-use commercial deep cycle applications may include lawn and garden care equipment, electric material handling systems, floor care equipment, renewable energy systems and marine equipment. The carbon-graphite foam replacing much of the lead content also enables the battery to perform at cooler temperatures – a key feature considering that the corrosion rate of lead doubles for every 15° the temperature rises above 70°F. Using product technology, designs, and components provided by Firefly Energy, Crown Battery will manufacture several 3D carbon-graphite foam lead acid batteries for commercial deep cycle markets.
Commenting on the most recent partnership announcement, Edward F. Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly Energy, said, "Crown Battery’s manufacturing expertise will be utilized to create a prototype and production capability for our 3D batteries. This partnership will ultimately offer a compelling next generation of Firefly products across several lead-acid battery applications. Crown has a legacy of manufacturing high quality lead-acid battery products for over 75 years."
Hal Hawk, President of Crown Battery, said, "This manufacturing partnership will take advantage of Crown’s extensive experience in developing high quality lead acid batteries. We’re looking forward to partnering with Firefly Energy and to manufacturing a new performance class of battery based on this innovative technology."
