Kawasaki First in Japan to Float Charge a Large-capacity NiMH Battery

Tokyo, January 27, 2009 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has succeeded in float charging its large-capacity nickel metal-hydride battery, the GIGACELL*. This remarkable achievement is a first for Japan. Float charging involves charging the battery at a constant voltage so that it is always kept fully charged. The battery can provide electricity instantly in the event of power failure, ensuring uninterrupted operation of facilities, servers and load equipment.

Working jointly with KDDI Corporation, Kawasaki conducted two months of test runs on the charge-discharge characteristics of the GIGACELL which was installed at KDDI's test base station. The test results showed no problem with the GIGACELL’s performance in terms of float charge, discharge, pressure, and temperature, proving that the GIGACELL is a viable new alternative backup power supply that is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than conventional lead-acid batteries. The GIGACELL can be used not only in telecommunication facilities like KDDI’s but also in a diverse range of fields including the IT as well as financial and healthcare sectors.

Kawasaki' GIGACELL battery is tailored to large-scale applications, with quick charge/discharge capabilities. Since it contains no hazardous materials such as lead and cadmium and uses a nonflammable solution as its electrolyte, it is safe, environmentally friendly and easily disassembled and recycled.

*GIGACELL' is a trademark, or registered trademark of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in JAPAN and U.S.