Korean Rail Operators Expand Deployment of Maxwell Technologies Ultracapacitors for High-Efficiency Braking Energy Recuperation Systems

SEOUL, Korea, Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Woojin Industrial Systems, a leading manufacturer of electric rail vehicles and rail system equipment, has completed installation of its energy storage system (ESS) ultracapacitor-based braking energy recuperation systems in seven Metro stations in Seoul, Daejon, Incheon and the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) high-speed rail depot in Seoul.

Beginning with installation of demonstration systems in 2009 under a contract with the Korean federal government's Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Woojin and rail system operators have achieved grid power consumption savings of more than 20 percent and realized additional benefits in the form of system voltage stabilization that reduces power infrastructure requirements and helps to ensure uninterrupted operation. The recuperation systems, ranging from 750 to 1,500 volts, employ Maxwell ultracapacitors to absorb energy during rail vehicle braking and deliver the stored energy to the vehicles' electric motors for propulsion and to stabilize voltage throughout the system.

Each installation employs up to 200 of Maxwell's 48-volt multi-cell ultracapacitor modules. Based on their positive experience to date, Woojin and rail system operators are planning several additional installations in 2014 and 2015.

"Ultracapacitors' rapid charge and discharge capabilities make them the most efficient option for energy storage and power delivery in braking energy recuperation systems," said Dr. Eun K. Lee, vice president, Woojin Industrial Systems. "In addition to being highly efficient in recycling energy that otherwise would be wasted, Maxwell's ultracapacitors operate reliably in low and high temperature environments and have met our expectations for long operational lifetime."

"Transportation requirements to capture and deliver power and energy are shifting to more and more high-duty cycle applications, demanding incredibly fast energy capture and power delivery solutions and creating long-term growth opportunities for Maxwell and our leading ultracapacitor technologies," said John Warwick, Maxwell's interim president and CEO. "Maxwell provides a variety of power storage solutions, enabling rail transportation networks to operate more efficiently while reducing emissions, including regenerative braking, signaling systems and diesel locomotive starting."

Unlike batteries, which produce and store energy by means of a chemical reaction, ultracapacitors store energy in an electric field. This electrostatic energy storage mechanism enables ultracapacitors to charge and discharge in as little as fractions of a second, perform normally over a broad temperature range (-40 to +65 degrees Celsius), operate reliably through 1 million or more charge/discharge cycles and resist shock and vibration. Maxwell offers ultracapacitor cells ranging in capacitance from one to 3,000 farads and multi-cell modules ranging from 16 to 125 volts. For more information on Maxwell's ultracapacitor products, please visit Maxwell.com.

About Maxwell Technologies: Maxwell Technologies (Nasdaq: MXWL) is a global leader in the development and manufacture of innovative, cost-effective energy storage and power delivery solutions. Our ultracapacitor products provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Our high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. Our radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. For more information, visit www.maxwell.com.

About Woojin Industrial Systems: Woojin Industrial Systems leads the rail car components industry in Korea. Since its inception in 1974, Woojin has focused on manufacturing rolling stock equipment through continuous research and development and quality improvements. Successful development of core equipment for electric multiple units and electric locomotives in Korea provided Korean rail operators with local sources of equipment that were previously only available from foreign sources.  Woojin now boasts a complete line-up of light rail vehicles, electric multiple units, high-speed rail components, electric locomotive equipment and electric rail test & maintenance equipment. Recently, Woojin expanded its business scope to include development of future energy sources. In addition to the ESS for electric rail, Woojin has developed and implemented systems such as stand-alone Hybrid Power Systems and Peak Electric Power Shaving Systems. All of these systems are also exported from Korea to various customers around the world.  Woojin proudly presents high quality railway vehicle equipment to ensure more safe and comfortable public transportation.

Maxwell Technologies contacts:

Media: Rachel Sullivan, Metis Communications: +1 (617) 236-0500; [email protected]
Investor: Michael Sund: +1 (858) 503-3233; [email protected]
Sales and technical: Brian Eichler: +1 (858) 503-3326; [email protected]  

Woojin Industrial Systems contact:
Sales and technical: Dr. Eun K. Lee, vice president: +82 43 820 4258: [email protected]  

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SOURCE Maxwell Technologies