Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS!
Wouldn't it be ironic if hydrogen's role in future transportation is not derived from its use in a fuel cell but rather, in a battery. If a recent press release is to be believed then the forthcoming YESS battery (that's "Your Energy Storage Solution") from an outfit called ERRA Incorporated may provide that humorous twist of H2 fate. It appears the company is planning on launching its own electric car and has decided to re-invent the battery, specifically the nickel hydrogen (NiH2) cell similar to those used in satellites for the past 40 years. They say they have "acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology" whose properties are said to include the ability to charge in 15 minutes, be cycled thousands of times and require no maintenance. With a cost said to be similar to lead acid and an energy density equivalent to lithium ion, ERRA believes it has a battery that will "largely displace" other chemistries. If it does manage to successfully maneuver the path from press statement to actual product, be prepared to see the YESS debut in the chassis of a refurbished Solectria Sunrise (specifically, this one). Company CEO Jim Hogarth played a part in the development of that car through his role at Boston Edison in the '90s and has never forgotten its promise of better efficiency through the use of lightweight materials. That presentation may be sooner rather than later as it is being reported that the company could be ready for production within nine months. Hit the break for the press release in its entirety.
[Source: ERRA Inc./ VentureBeat / CleanTech / EV World]
PRESS RELEASE
The storage battery that answers YESS to Your Energy Storage Solutions!
ERRA Incorporated, San Antonio, TX, USA has acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology to be marketed as the YESS Battery from ERRA, Inc.
The storage battery that answers YESS to Your Energy Storage Solutions!
ERRA Incorporated, San Antonio, TX, USA has acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology to be marketed as the YESS Battery from ERRA, Inc.
"Our acquisition of this battery technology for all fields of use enables us to deploy the battery in hundreds of existing applications that will prove to be truly game changing. In addition to those existing markets, this battery will create new markets that did not previously exist. It will have significant impact for the entire clean / renewable energy industry." Jim Hogarth, ERRA Inc's CEO said. "This technology now gives us the ability to address not only the burgeoning electric and hybrid electric vehicle markets, but also enables non-grid connected applications in remote areas, telecommunications infrastructure, network and system reliability, wind and solar energy storage (making them fully dispatchable for the first time ever) , utility load leveling, UPS, and numerous consumer products and various military applications."
"This is simply the most cost effective energy storage battery module on the planet! Not to be confused with nickel metal hydride batteries which were famous for their high self discharge rates, internal corrosion problems, and relatively short lives, this technology has completely compartmentalized the hydrogen in a solid state separate from the battery itself, resulting in no self discharge or corrosion of any kind. The technology is tried and proven, and is based on the same electrochemistry of the batteries that have been powering our satellites in outer space, through hundreds of thousands of charge/discharge cycles, without fail, for over forty years. We feel we are potentially on the brink of being able to largely displace lead acid, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion technologies. This battery is competitive with lead acid in cost, with nickel metal hydride and lithium ion in energy density and is inherently safer than any other known battery technology! This battery has no risk from the thermal runaway issues plaguing the lithium ion technologies. Finally, and equally important, our technology is 100% clean, and fully scalable from AAA sized batteries up through several MW's of storage capacity." says Chairman Reznicek, the former Chief Executive of Boston Edison Company.
The YESS Battery is fully rechargeable in less than 15 minutes, enjoys the longest shelf life since it has a virtually zero self discharge rate, the longest life of any known comparably priced battery, as well as the highest levels of safety features and most importantly is maintenance free.
ERRA Inc. also owns a significant portfolio of technologies in the green energy spectrum. The ERRA Solar/Thermal energy collection system coupled with ERRA's Reversible Hydride Heat Engine displaces the need for expensive photovoltaic panels at a fraction of the cost.
An eco-friendly reversible hydride cooling system which generates no fluorocarbons, and is scalable from an air conditioner smaller than a paper clip to a multi-ton commercial cooling unit is a centerpiece of energy efficiency as it requires 60% less electricity to operate than conventional cooling systems. We also have developed a refrigeration system that is much more efficient and reliable than existing compressor driven fluorocarbon based systems. The interesting aspect about these cooling and refrigeration technologies is that the hotter it gets outside, the better they cool or refrigerate.
ERRA has also developed a reversible hydride heat pump that utilizes a fraction of the electricity that conventional heat pumps require. Similarly, the colder it gets outside, the better this heat pump performs, allowing heat pumps to operate in climates where previously they could not operate effectively or efficiently.
A smart fire sprinkler system that automatically shuts off the water flow when the fire has been extinguished, and numerous other clean technologies based on patented reversible hydride technologies.
ERRA Incorporated is Chaired by the former Chairman of Boston Edison and the Omaha Public Utility District, Mr. Bernard Reznicek.
For additional information, please contact:
James Hogarth, CEO
ERRA Inc.
Phone: 210-478-9657
Email to: errainc@gmail.com
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as ERRA Incorporated or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
About ERRA Incorporated:
Immediate Press Release
The storage battery that answers YESS to Your Energy Storage Solutions!
ERRA Incorporated, San Antonio, TX, USA has acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology to be marketed as the YESS Battery from ERRA, Inc.
"Our acquisition of this battery technology for all fields of use enables us to deploy the battery in hundreds of existing applications that will prove to be truly game changing. In addition to those existing markets, this battery will create new markets that did not previously exist. It will have significant impact for the entire clean / renewable energy industry." Jim Hogarth, ERRA Inc's CEO said. "This technology now gives us the ability to address not only the burgeoning electric and hybrid electric vehicle markets, but also enables non-grid connected applications in remote areas, telecommunications infrastructure, network and system reliability, wind and solar energy storage (making them fully dispatchable for the first time ever) , utility load leveling, UPS, and numerous consumer products and various military applications."
"This is simply the most cost effective energy storage battery module on the planet! Not to be confused with nickel metal hydride batteries which were famous for their high self discharge rates, internal corrosion problems, and relatively short lives, this technology has completely compartmentalized the hydrogen in a solid state separate from the battery itself, resulting in no self discharge or corrosion of any kind. The technology is tried and proven, and is based on the same electrochemistry of the batteries that have been powering our satellites in outer space, through hundreds of thousands of charge/discharge cycles, without fail, for over forty years. We feel we are potentially on the brink of being able to largely displace lead acid, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion technologies. This battery is competitive with lead acid in cost, with nickel metal hydride and lithium ion in energy density and is inherently safer than any other known battery technology! This battery has no risk from the thermal runaway issues plaguing the lithium ion technologies. Finally, and equally important, our technology is 100% clean, and fully scalable from AAA sized batteries up through several MW's of storage capacity." says Chairman Reznicek, the former Chief Executive of Boston Edison Company.
The YESS Battery is fully rechargeable in less than 15 minutes, enjoys the longest shelf life since it has a virtually zero self discharge rate, the longest life of any known comparably priced battery, as well as the highest levels of safety features and most importantly is maintenance free.
ERRA Inc. also owns a significant portfolio of technologies in the green energy spectrum. The ERRA Solar/Thermal energy collection system coupled with ERRA's Reversible Hydride Heat Engine displaces the need for expensive photovoltaic panels at a fraction of the cost.
An eco-friendly reversible hydride cooling system which generates no fluorocarbons, and is scalable from an air conditioner smaller than a paper clip to a multi-ton commercial cooling unit is a centerpiece of energy efficiency as it requires 60% less electricity to operate than conventional cooling systems. We also have developed a refrigeration system that is much more efficient and reliable than existing compressor driven fluorocarbon based systems. The interesting aspect about these cooling and refrigeration technologies is that the hotter it gets outside, the better they cool or refrigerate.
ERRA has also developed a reversible hydride heat pump that utilizes a fraction of the electricity that conventional heat pumps require. Similarly, the colder it gets outside, the better this heat pump performs, allowing heat pumps to operate in climates where previously they could not operate effectively or efficiently.
A smart fire sprinkler system that automatically shuts off the water flow when the fire has been extinguished, and numerous other clean technologies based on patented reversible hydride technologies.
ERRA Incorporated is Chaired by the former Chairman of Boston Edison and the Omaha Public Utility District, Mr. Bernard Reznicek.
For additional information, please contact:
James Hogarth, CEO
ERRA Inc.
Phone: 210-478-9657
Email to: errainc@gmail.com
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as ERRA Incorporated or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
Company Contact Information
ERRA Incorporated
Buck Thomas
115 Newport Drive
78218
Phone : 210-654-1300
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
augustus 4:50PM (11/30/2009)
I call BS. If they were smart enough to make this battery then they would be smart enough to not try to make their own cars. License the technology and make money without the immense waste of capital that goes with making your own cars.
Reply
Boyprodigy1 12:44PM (12/01/2009)
no no no,
none of the other car makers would have the balls to buy the technology and make an electric car. They see that there is no market for licencing the tech except to Tesla who can't afford to pay a premium for it. The business model for making their own cars is fine by me, their claims however seem shaky.
Ernie 4:57PM (12/02/2009)
BoyProdigy said:
"none of the other car makers would have the balls to buy the technology and make an electric car."
Uh, you mean like Nissan? Or maybe GM?
Nevermind the fact that the battery business has lots more customers than automakers. Making batteries is indeed a viable business, and it's a boatload less regulated and aggravating than the auto industry is. What these guys appear to be doing is selling miracles. And that sends up red flags by the bucketload in my book.
Doug 4:53PM (11/30/2009)
Well press releases are a dime a dozen, but I don't find this particularly surprising or ironic. Hydrogen is in a lot of stuff. For example, nickel metal hydride and lead acid batteries.
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wardialer 4:54PM (11/30/2009)
from the makers of EESTOR supercapacitors!
hi its vince with sham-wow.........
Reply
jake 5:05PM (11/30/2009)
Sounds like EESTOR all over again.
Reply
Nick From Montreal 5:07PM (11/30/2009)
Vaporware. Show me a running prototype or get out.
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john 5:09PM (11/30/2009)
The way they're dissing NiMH batteries and bragging about their fire extinguisher, just to name two transgressions, this press release doesn't appear too professional or well thought-out. Mostly hyperbole, with no indication of a path to a viable product. I call BS on this one as well.
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Patrick 5:13PM (11/30/2009)
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe
Reply
Joeviocoe 5:26PM (11/30/2009)
And methane (natural gas) comes out of my butt... what's your point?
Doug 9:23PM (11/30/2009)
I had assumed his point was the same as the one I made above.
Patrick 11:13AM (12/01/2009)
twas. thanks Doug
nobody2you 5:24PM (11/30/2009)
Guys be nice, Their statement is not without merit.
At least we can use the BS in the statement, for fertilizer.
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Just my 2 cents.
nobody2you
Reply
Joeviocoe 5:26PM (11/30/2009)
"an energy density equivalent to lithium ion"
BS!!!!!
"The energy density of a Nickel Hydrogen cell is 75 Wh/kg"
Compared to the 150 Wh/kg in Li-Ion batteries used in the Tesla Roadster.
Also
http://ocw.mit.edu/NR/rdonlyres/Aeronautics-and-Astronautics/16-851Fall2003/9E3D57EC-1476-4ED6-A38F-1A221AFB1534/0/l3_scpowersys_dm_done2.pdf
-page 9
If NASA couldn't get it higher than that in 40 years. I don't think this vaporware company can double the energy density anytime soon.
Reply
augustus 6:58PM (11/30/2009)
NASA doesn't need to get the energy density higher as they have solar panels on their satellites that recharge the battery. The battery weight as a % of satellite weight is not too large. NASA wants reliability.
Of course this press release is still BS. Show a damn prototype.
Joeviocoe 7:13PM (11/30/2009)
Check out page 12... they would be considering Li-Ion batteries to replace Ni-H2 cells if they could have the reliability.
http://ocw.mit.edu/NR/rdonlyres/Aeronautics-and-Astronautics/16-851Fall2003/9E3D57EC-1476-4ED6-A38F-1A221AFB1534/0/l3_scpowersys_dm_done2.pdf
-page 12
This ERRA company is backwards. Li-Ion batteries are better technology in every meaningful way except long term durability. Not suited for EVs though.
Joeviocoe 7:22PM (11/30/2009)
Anyway, my point was...
NASA would have loved to increase the energy density of Ni-H2 batteries over the last 40 years if they could.
Ni-H2 batteries are 40 years mature (in production phase) and still only have 75 Wh/kg. The nature of the chemistry is probably at it's limit for energy density.
In contrast, Li-Ion batteries are less than 15 years (in production phase) and are currently at 160 Wh/kg and getting better. They may max out around 280 Wh/kg, or maybe higher.... but they will max out someday. Ni-H2 have probably already hit the zenith.
Chris M 10:56PM (11/30/2009)
To be fair, there are several different LiIon types with varying energy densities, and the low end for LiIon energy density is 80 wh per Kg, only slightly more than those NiH cells at 75. It does beat NiMH in energy density by a bit.
But they are mistaken in their dissing of NiMH, which have proven to be very reliable if properly managed.
Better batteries I would appreciate. Exaggerations and unwarranted slamming of "the competition" I don't care for.
skierpage 7:03AM (12/01/2009)
Well, if the battery doesn't work out, they can also replace solar PV:
"The ERRA Solar/Thermal energy collection system coupled with ERRA's Reversible Hydride Heat Engine displaces the need for expensive photovoltaic panels at a fraction of the cost."
And if that doesn't work out, their hydride heat engine alone requires a fraction of the electricity that conventional air conditioners and heat pumps use.
So many claims, so little time.
Reply
Joeviocoe 9:05AM (12/01/2009)
Do you have a link for these?
The ERRA website is... um... is currently under construction.