ZAF Energy Systems, Inc. (ZAF), a developer of next-generation battery technology, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $1.4 million contract for a nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery system to support the U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ground facility.

ZAF's nickel-zinc batteries are helping to meet customer demands for powerful, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly battery solutions and are uniquely positioned to respond quickly to power outages. The project, which will run for 24 months, is expected to result in a prototype stationary energy storage system capable of powering the silo's systems in the event of a power outage, and until standby generators can be started.

Eivind Listerud, ZAF's VP of Engineering, said, "In addition to having a longer operational life than the current lead-acid batteries, the Air Force is using nickel-zinc batteries that can be stored, without charging, for a very long time-as much as twenty years-without damage or the need for float charge."

"We're seeing our technology perform well in rigorous battery performance testing by major commercial trucking, telecommunications, and large-scale data storage companies," commented Randy Moore, President and CEO, ZAF Energy Systems.

"Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which cannot operate without a battery management system (BMS), ZAF's nickel-zinc batteries can perform well in commercial applications without a BMS," added Moore. "However, we are using a BMS developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne for this critical application to both provide cell balancing and monitor the battery's state of health."

ZAF's NiZn batteries have potential uses in a wide range of applications including automotive, heavy trucking, remote telecom, renewable energy, marine and military. NiZn batteries are poised to disrupt the $50 billion conventional lead-acid battery market with their ability to provide significantly greater storage capacity and power over legacy lead-acid batteries in a smaller, lighter package. They provide a powerful and affordable alternative to their lead-acid counterparts while generating a lower environmental impact.

ZAF | www.zafsys.com