Description
Skeleton Technologies OÜ (Ltd.) is a manufacturer and developer of industry-leading ultracapacitors based on patented SkeletonC nanoporous carbon and novel ultracapacitor design. Until now, Skeleton has focused its strategy on cell-level ultracapacitor development and production, however, market demand and therefore the industry are shifting from cell-level to turnkey solutions. This open call project, originating from the small grant scheme, aims to develop a fully integrated ICT-base platform (hardware and software) to manage Skeleton Technologies ultracapacitor cells and modules, which through further development can be used in various applications. The solution will help to increase the efficiency and reliability of the device and lower price per energy unit . As a result of the project, the solution would allow Skeleton to climb considerably higher in the industry value chain, reach the end customer and receive a price premium for its product.
Summary of project results
Skeleton Technologies produces ultracapacitors and energy-storage systems. The aim has been to deliver high power, high energy, reliable and long-life storage solutions across industry. As a result of the project, Sceleton Technologies developed multiple products to be sold on the market. The product development started from scratch and by today the first products have been sold to end-customers. During the project Skeleton Technologies has developed a fully integrated ICT platform base for ultracapacitors, component and module management for use in various energy saving applications. With the help of research and prototyping done during the project, Skeleton released its first generation of SkelStart Engine Start Module and SkelMod 170V. SkelMod enables up to a 25% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in heavy transportation, and more than 40% in port cranes through a revolutionary KERS. SkelStart can be used in multiple areas such as trucking, maritime, forestry and agriculture etc. Skeleton's ultracapacitors deliver twice the energy density and four times the power density offered by other manufacturers. By using leading edge cold resistant ultracapacitor technology, the SkelStart Engine Start Module (ESM) helps start a truck in all weather conditions and even when batteries have been drained. During the project the functionality and laboratory testing of Engine Start Module was completed. The Skeleton Engine Start module or other modules were introduced by Skeleton Technologies in the following events: Maamess 2016 - Tartu, Estonia; Productronical 2015 - Munich, Germany; Baltic Truck Show 2015 - Tallinn; Estonia Professional Motorsport World Expo 2014 - Köln, Germany; Performance Racing Industry Trade Show 2014 - United States, Indianapolis; Autosport International: The Racing Car Show 2015- Birmingham, United Kingdom
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral achievements resulted in a new product on the market for starting trucks, diesel generators etc. As the product is intended to work in high vibration transportation environments, the Norwegian partner's experience in such fields provided unique insights into the development process based on testing results carried out by the partner. Through testing and measurements done by the partner, the partnership strengthened the understanding of developing a product for transportation applications. This included requirements for vibration and also electromagnetic interference. The bilateral funds contributed to strengthening bilateral relations by enabling Skeleton Technologies to establish a formal collaboration with a partner in Norway. NxTech has good competence in mechanical, electronic and IT engineering. During the project, Skeleton experienced good cooperation and useful insights to the core competences of the project partner. NxTech brings world class knowhow and execution capabilities in prototyping novel electronics and energy storage systems which helped Skeleton Technologies to make the transfer from being a hardware components supplier to providing full energy storage modules with embedder software architecture for monitoring and controlling relevant energy flows. Two companies built a close relationship, and if the need for taking a novel technology from early RnD to prototype phase will arise, then NxTech would be a trustworthy and reliable partner to carry out such activities.