ARLINGTON, Va., April 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SkyBuilt Power, the leader in transportable and rapidly deployable renewable energy systems is working closely with military and civilian government agencies to solve some of the toughest energy problems.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6090
USA Today's article dated April 16, 2009 titled "Government Funds Power Research" (page 8A), highlights the fact that In-Q-Tel, the CIA-funded strategic investment firm, is funding companies developing cutting edge, energy-related technologies for military, intelligence, and national security applications. In-Q-Tel is a shareholder in and has a development agreement with SkyBuilt. The company, headquartered in Arlington VA, is also providing unique energy solutions to several other government departments and agencies.
According to Robert Wallace, former director of the CIA's Office of Technical Service and author of Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs from Communism to Al-Qaeda, "If you're using more (electronic) devices ... you've got to have power, whether it comes from batteries, the sun, nuclear or something else."
One of the identified energy challenges is to integrate long-duration power sources for use with communications, surveillance and other platforms in remote areas.
From a military point of view, the amount of oil consumption at forward operating bases in Iraq and Afghanistan has grown to 500 million gallons annually with a significant percentage of it attributed to deployed, energy-consuming non-combatant equipment, creating fuel convoys that add substantial costs, reduce combat effectiveness, risk the overall mission, and increase casualties.
In order to address these and additional needs, SkyBuilt Power developed the world's first rapidly-deployable, automatic, and expandable solar, wind and battery integrated power stations. These revolutionary systems adhere to strict standards for safety and performance. As a result of hundreds of tests over many months of rigorous testing, the SkyStation and SkyTrailer Power Stations have been certified for safety and performance by the military.
Now deployed and operational in support of intelligence, military, and homeland security applications, SkyBuilt Power products are proving their value; reducing fuel consumption in some locations by as much as 97% and producing clean, reliable power with little or no maintenance or supply chain costs.
About SkyBuilt Power, Inc. - SkyBuilt Power is a leader in self-contained, rapidly deployable, renewable and hybrid energy power systems. SkyBuilt's rugged, transportable power stations combine solar arrays, wind turbines, battery banks, and optional backup generators. From cell tower power to forward operating bases, the company's commercial and military systems are designed to be shipped to any location, set up in minutes to hours, and operate for years with little or no maintenance, fuel, or logistics.
The SkyBuilt Power logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1994
SkyBuilt's patented power stations come in various platforms:
* SkyStation Containerized Power System - the revolutionary, container-based SkyStation is a fully integrated, self-contained renewable hybrid power station shipped in a highly-customized shipping container. This patented system is designed to provide reliable power in harsh environments using a combination of solar energy, wind power, an optional generator, and battery banks for energy storage. The SkyStation is an extremely rugged, climate- controlled shelter for communications, computing, or surveillance equipment. * SkyTrailer Mobile Power System - The SkyTrailer is a hybrid solar, wind, battery, and diesel generator power station built onto a lightweight, military-grade trailer. This versatile system has been designed to fully deploy in less than one hour, combining mobility, rapid deployment, power options, and high quality with relatively low maintenance. * SkySkid Transportable Power System - The SkySkid is a renewable hybrid electric power station on one or more pallets built for remote locations that do not need an equipment or operations shelter. Each skid has a ruggedized, protective housing, optional HVAC to protect electronics and electrical components, and is designed specifically for forklift or light helicopter-lift. * SkyCase Power System is a state-of-the-art, renewable energy system in a man-portable, airline-checkable carrying case. With high- performance wind, solar, and battery components, the SkyCase sets up in minutes and provides extreme mobility for applications such as satellite and radio communications, surveillance, sensors, remote computing, and battery charging.
To read the complete article, go to:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2009-04-15-batteries_N.htm
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.