What are Bren-Tronics' Portable Charging Systems?

Bren-Tronics, Inc. was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Long Island, New York. A privately-held company, Bren-Tronics specializes in energy storage applications (rechargeable/non-rechargeable batteries, smart chargers, power systems, and more) and is a leading provider for the military and industrial markets. Bren-Tronics has three facilities in the United States. The first in Alachua, Florida manufactures 18650 type cells, prismatic (pouch) cells and large format cells. The location boasts more than 300 million Ah of Lithium-Ion electrode capability for these cells. Their second location is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania and manufactures large format Lithium iron phosphate cells. Their third facility is based in Livermore, California and is a fuel-cell focused subsidiary known as UltraCell. Bren-Tronics, Inc. is both AS9100:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 quality certified. Bren-Tronics has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. military. In the 1990s, the U.S. Army awarded them a contract for rechargeable batteries including Lithium-Ion and visual State of Charge indicators. During Operation Desert Storm, Bren-Tronics’ nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries were vital in keeping the troops powered while maintaining a light logistics load. For this, the company was nominated for a Small Business Prime Contract of the Year (Chester Socha from U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command) award.

In the 2000s, the Omni Charge contract was granted to Bren-Tronics to develop the BB-2590/U, 12V/24V Lithium-Ion battery and the SPC (soldier portable charger) Charger. Qualified by the Department of Defense (DoD), over 75% of all military devices are powered by these batteries. Bren-Tronics’ product portfolio includes: Primary (disposable, non-rechargeable) batteries – made of alkaline, silver, and lithium-based cells. Secondary (rechargeable) batteries – made of nickel-cadmium, nicel metal-hydride, and advanced lithium. Complementary portable charging systems which feature bulk or depot chargers, ruggedized vehicle mounted chargers, warfighter warn chargers, and versatile forward field chargers. Their signature product, the BB-2590, can be used at temperatures from -20 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees Celsius. Although not ideal for performance, it is capable of operating in more extreme temperatures. The battery contains a resettable fuse that will open at temperature greater than 70 degrees Celsius but must cool to 50 degrees before it will work again. This battery is also capable of continuous discharge at a 2A current or a pulse up to 26A and a high rate discharge of 10A per section and a pulse power of 18A per section. Their battery charging systems feature ruggedized, ultrasonically welded high-impact, plastic cases and smart, proprietary circuitry. One notable offering is their 6-PACK Portable Power System, a universal military charging platform which comes in the following categories: (SPC/SPC-Lite), system vehicle-mounted (VMC/VMC-Lite), soldier worn (SPS/SPACES/NETT warrior), and trailer mounted operations (FOB/MEU HQ). This system is capable of charging equipment requiring 1kW-6kW, contains six BB-2590/U batteries in a watertight container, and can provide power for weeks at a time.