Omani startup prototypes graphene technology-based power-bank
An Omani startup has ambitions to commercialise the production of power-banks based on breakthrough solid-state graphene battery technology, in what promises to be a technological first for the Sultanate of Oman.
BRQ Advanced Technology (BRQ), which attracted national acclaim in 2020 for its localised production of phone chargers based on international specs, is now pioneering the development of an industrial power-bank based on cutting-edge battery technology – a futuristic product with the potential to put Oman on the global map.
“We are in a very early stage of prototyping a solid-state graphene battery power-bank with 30,000 mah capacity and fast charging technology up to 100w (In/out),” said Saud al Mukhaini, founder of BRQ.
Announcing the breakthrough in a post on social media last week, BRQ said the prototype represents a “scientific revolution” for Oman.
This is particularly so because the model in question is not only slim and compact in size relative to conventional lithium-ion battery technology, but also a powerhouse in its own right.
In remarks to the Observer, Al Mulkhaini underlined the potential for mass production once the prototype is suitably finetuned to make it commercial.
“The new battery technology is very advanced and will take a while for it to be manufactured widely, but the good news is that we can think of using this technology in our products and we believe it’s a very futuristic milestone. There are plans for mass production of the new power-bank but it is a long-range plan until the final prototypes (are developed).”
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Saud began assembling small devices and gadgets in the safety of his ‘home lab’ in 2020 amid a sweeping lockdown across Oman and the wider world in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak earlier that year.
One of his first innovations was a micro weather station, dubbed ‘BRQ Micro’, that he believes was the smallest of its kind in the world at the time.
That initial success inspired Saud to venture into the design and manufacture of charging products, several of which have since been introduced in the local and regional market.
The list includes: Wall Charging Adapter with PD 3.0 Technology, Car Charger with PD 3.0 Technology, a Type C to Type C cable, a Lightning to Type-c PD MFI Cable, a Wireless Magnetic charger, 130w 4 Ports GAN Technology charger, and also others.
Following the certification of his iphone charging cable by Apple itself, Saud soon found himself enjoying the trust of local and regional consumers for his range of BRQ branded products.
Solid-state graphene battery technology is set to be a gamechanger for the global market, says Saud.
The new battery technology is very advanced and will take a while for it to be manufactured widely, but the good news is that we can think of using this technology in our products and we believe it’s a very futuristic milestone.
SAUD AL MUKHAINI Founder, BRQ
CUTTING EDGE: LOCAL INNOVATOR SEES POTENTIAL FOR MASS PRODUCTION OF NEW INDUSTRIAL POWER-BANK PRODUCT BASED ON BREAKTHROUGH BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
“Solid-state graphene offers more energy density to volume, which can help to reduce battery size. And it’s also a very safe battery - the risk of explosion is very limited even under rough conditions like (bending, crushing, or even drilling through the battery). It’s a very safe alternative to Li-ion batteries.”
For now, the Omani inventor is dependent entirely on his own modest resources and funding to get his brainchild venture through to the commercial development phase. But as the uptake of the new technology picks up pace globally, Saud sees the potential for the production of around 3,000 industrial power-banks per year to cater to the local and regional market.
Sharing a rough timeline to achieve commercialisation, he added: “After the final prototyping stage, there will be a long-term testing stage and this will take time for sure, then we can go for the mass production stage. And this process usually takes up to two years, especially when it comes to new technologies.”
An ardent innovator, Saud believes that his work in the field of consumer electronics will contribute to the development of this key sector.