Drop-in 24V uSTART battery support system is now available from Ioxus

Ioxus, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of ultracapacitors and energy storage products, announced that the 24V uSTART battery support system is now being offered as the heavy equipment industry's only drop-in replacement product that needs no special wiring. Using two group 31 batteries in series, with one 24V uSTART in parallel, users can replace their 4D battery in heavy equipment. 

The ultracapacitor-based product is designed with smart power electronics to assist in starting engines up to 50L for large off-road equipment. Using the available smartphone Bluetooth app, once the uSTART is connected to the batteries, users can look at the voltage of the batteries, the charge level of uSTART, initiate a jump start without connecting any wires, or put the unit into maintenance mode for safe removal or repairs. 

The goal of the uSTART system is to provide the vehicle with a start, no matter the condition of the existing batteries or external temperature. If the batteries run too low due to accessory loads or aged Lead Acid batteries, the operator can use the Bluetooth app from the cab to enable jump-start mode, allowing the capacitor-based system to collect energy from the batteries. The uSTART will provide the energy to get the vehicle's bus voltage up to 24V, then provide the power the crank the engine and start. This will eliminate costly jump-starts in remote locations. 

By helping to increase the battery's voltage during crank, the 24V uSTART provides starting reliability. This reliability in starting is displayed by increased life of the starter, as the starter will see a consistent delivery of power. Extending beyond the starter, the ECUs and other electronics will see a reduction in low-voltage occurrences, leading to longer component life. 

The smart power electronics in the uSTART module provide voltage stabilization to the vehicle's electrical bus. The module monitors the voltage to inject power when needed to maintain a system voltage. 

To solve problems associated with a vehicle not being started for extended periods of time, the uSTART module will automatically detect a lack of activity and place itself into standby mode. This enables the capacitors to remain charged, even if the batteries go flat, to allow the vehicle to crank and start, as long as the batteries retain minimal energy to keep the uSTART electronics awake. 

The uSTART was designed with safety features only offered by Ioxus. The unit can be placed into maintenance mode, and allow for initial installation as well as external vehicle jump starting, without removing the capacitor-based system or unhooking any connections. No special training is required to use the Ioxus uSTART module. The module turns itself on when it senses alternator voltage, and will turn itself off if terminals are disconnected. 

“The uSTART Bluetooth app brings wireless capabilities to fleet technicians and drivers,” said Jeff Colton, senior vice president of global sales for Ioxus. “The connection saves time and improves safety during roadside events by providing the ability to remotely check battery voltage and uSTART status or use the system’s jumpstart capability without needing to access the battery box. The Bluetooth app for uSTART helps complete inspections, maintenance and service quickly and more efficiently.”