Charging into the future
Soldier Modernisation talks to Natek’s Mikael Renegard
ML334-4A-24 multi-chemistry 4 channel charger. Operating in -40C temperatures.
Q: Could we start by looking at Natek as a company, our readers may not know you have been in the military business for 25 years?
A: We began by creating our first battery charger for the Swedish Defense forces in 1994. Successful with our charging solution in cold weather, we were able to attract more customers from the area and soon NATEK was supplying a specifically modified charger to the Finnish defence forces. Large defence contractors were noticing the potential of NATEK chargers and began incorporating the products into their systems as demand needed. The customization around the core technology was key to the chargers longevity. Being able to adapt to almost any kind of battery both in size and chemistry was unique at the time. Very few were able to successfully mix chemistries to achieve maximum capacity, providing reliable charges and healthy batteries at the same time. NATEK even developed and patented the BAC (Battery Acceptance Charge) theory.
LV334-4A-24 a 4 channel charger built into the case. The perfect mobile package for robotic systems. 8 channel also available.
Q: As a supplier to the Scandinavian defence forces your products would be used to different extreme environments, could we go through where they have been used and how you have adapted products for specialist use?
A: Our chargers have been used extensively within the Scandinavian defence forces in varying extreme conditions. Excelling in frigid climates with battery chemistries designed to withstand freezing temperatures. We see potential within the Arctic Naval deployments with only slight component modifications to comply with regulations. We share a vision with our customers to have a unified solution for land and sea. A proven system able to conform to any type of battery regardless of size, chemistry or manufacturer. Simple to use for the operator with only minimal service required.
ML334-4A-24 charger with customized adapter. Charges 4 different types of batteries.
Q: Your product range is very extensive, from a single charger for dismounted soldiers through to the work you are doing in robotics which is an area coming into focus for the defense market, could you run us through your key military products?
A: Our products are designed to work on varying levels depending on the environments they’ll be deployed. Our top-rated, ML334 is used in any environment, able to withstand extreme weather conditions, shock and EMC blasts, is extremely versatile with its compact size, can be incorporated into vehicles with only a change in mounting systems. While the CL334 is the perfect complement, meeting energy demands indoors. Excelling in cold areas, such as storage facilities, operating in temperatures down to -20ºC where most are only rated to 0ºC. We’ve also designed the super portable LV334 to work as a hybrid between the ML and CL versions. All the removable battery adapters can be interchanged throughout the complete 334-series, making it cost effective to have a combination of chargers. There is even a 85W DC single channel charger for the dismounted soldier that is super light-weight, has MPPT functionality for max solar power efficiency and can operate in -40ºC to +55ºC temperatures. Products are tested and certified to meet high military standards, proven technology deployed and used by the military for 25 years.
ML334-4A-24 with flying leads adapter used for charging aerospace battery.
Q: Where could our reader meet the company in the coming months to find out more and to physically see product?
A: NATEK will be exhibiting in London at the DSEi trade-fair this September (10-13) at the:
Swedish pavilion, stand N2-320.
For more information please visit:
https://natek.se
