Absolyte Battery History: GNB to Stryten Evolution (2026)

The GNB Era & Sandia Collaboration (1983–2000)

The engineering pedigree of the Absolyte battery began well before it became a staple in modern data centers. In the early 1980s, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiated the “Utility Battery Storage Systems Program.” The objective was to develop a deep-cycle battery capable of utility load leveling and renewable energy storage without the heavy maintenance requirements of flooded lead-acid systems.

GNB Industrial Power (formerly Gould National Batteries) partnered with the government to meet these rigorous demands. According to Sandia National Laboratories Report SAND93-3899 (“Utility Battery Storage Systems Program Report for FY93“), this collaboration focused on validating VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) performance for utility-scale applications. The research aimed to create a sealed design that retained the capacity of flooded cells while eliminating the need for water addition.

The resulting innovation was a modular, stackable steel tray design. This allowed for high-density vertical stacking, a crucial feature for maximizing footprint in telecom shelters. The design was rigorously tested to meet UBC Zone 4 seismic requirements, making it the preferred choice for installations in earthquake-prone regions like California. This era established the “Genealogy of Quality” that continues to define the product line today.

Technology Timeline: Absolyte II vs. IIP vs. GP

The most critical technical distinction in the history of this product line is the shift in grid alloy metallurgy. Facility managers must understand that while the physical dimensions of the jars have remained largely consistent, the internal chemistry has evolved significantly.

The table below outlines the key engineering differences between the discontinued Absolyte IIP and the Absolyte GP then the current Absolyte AGP Battery:

\Note: Early iterations of the IIP utilized Cadmium to enhance cycle life, which presented environmental disposal challenges.

The Metallurgy Shift: From Cadmium to Calcium-Tin

The legacy Absolyte IIP relied on a Lead-Antimony-Cadmium alloy. Cadmium was originally used to improve the battery’s deep discharge recovery and cycle life. However, due to increasing environmental regulations regarding cadmium toxicity and disposal, a chemical shift was necessary.

The modern Absolyte GP utilizes a proprietary Lead-Calcium-Tin alloy. The addition of Tin is the critical innovation here; it stabilizes the grid structure, helping to prevent corrosion and extending the design life without the environmental penalty of Cadmium. Furthermore, the Calcium-Tin alloy typically offers better charge acceptance and more stable float currents. This evolution ensures that the modern Absolyte battery meets current environmental standards while maintaining the robust cycling capabilities required by the telecom industry.

The Stryten Energy Era (2020–Present)

For many long-time facility managers, the disappearance of the “GNB” brand caused significant confusion. The transition occurred in August 2020, when Atlas Holdings acquired the assets of GNB Industrial Power.

According to the August 25, 2020 Press Release from Atlas Holdings, this acquisition led to the formation of Stryten Manufacturing, which was later rebranded as Stryten Energy. It is important to note that while the corporate entity changed, the manufacturing continuity remained intact. The Stryten Energy battery lines, including Absolyte and Marathon, continue to be produced in the same United States facilities (such as Kansas City and Fort Smith) using the original engineering specifications and tooling.

Today, Stryten Energy is the sole manufacturer of the Stryten Energy Absolyte GP, GX lines and AGP lines. For warranty purposes, the chain of custody is critical. Procurement through an Authorized Reseller ensures that the factory warranty is valid and that the product is factory-fresh, rather than surplus stock that may have degraded during improper storage.

Critical Engineering: Replacement & Compliance

Replacing an industrial battery string is rarely a “plug-and-play” operation, especially when dealing with legacy infrastructure. There are three critical engineering factors that must be addressed during replacement.

⚠️ Engineering Advisory: Do Not Mix IIP and GP

Do not install Absolyte IIP and Absolyte GP cells in the same series string.

While the jars may look identical physically, the internal resistance and float voltage requirements differ due to the alloy changes (Cadmium vs. Calcium-Tin).

The Risk: Mixing these chemistries typically leads to voltage mismatches. One set of cells may undercharge while the other overcharges.
The Result: This imbalance can lead to thermal runaway, accelerated grid corrosion, and premature failure of the entire string.

• The Solution: If you have failing IIP cells, the entire string must be replaced with Absolyte GP to ensure safety and performance.

Seismic Code Evolution: UBC vs. IBC

Many legacy Absolyte installations from the 1990s utilize racking systems rated for UBC (Uniform Building Code) Zone 4. However, the UBC has been superseded by the IBC (International Building Code) across the United States.

According to IBC Chapter 16, seismic design is now categorized by Seismic Design Categories (A through F) rather than simple zones. A rack installed in 1999 rated for “Zone 4” does not automatically meet current IBC requirements for critical infrastructure. When replacing batteries, facility managers should re-evaluate the racking system to ensure it complies with modern code, particularly for essential facilities like hospitals or data centers.

IEEE 485 Sizing Standards

Proper sizing is governed by IEEE 485-2020 (“Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries”). It is a common misconception that a battery’s nameplate capacity equals its real-world capacity at the end of its life.

IEEE 485 sizing calculations account for:

1. Aging Factor: Batteries lose capacity over time; the standard typically adds a 125% margin to ensure the battery can support the load at the end of its service life.
2. Temperature Correction: Capacity drops as temperature drops.
3. Design Margin: A safety buffer for unforeseen load growth.

Our engineering team uses these standards to ensure that your replacement string is not just a like-for-like swap, but a calculated solution that meets your actual load profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes GNB batteries now?

Stryten Energy manufactures GNB batteries today. Following the acquisition of GNB Industrial Power assets in 2020, Stryten Energy continues to produce the Absolyte and Marathon lines in the USA using the original specifications and manufacturing facilities.

What is the difference between Absolyte IIP and GP?

The primary difference is the grid alloy chemistry. Absolyte IIP (discontinued) utilized a Lead-Antimony-Cadmium alloy, while the modern Absolyte GP uses a Lead-Calcium-Tin alloy. This change eliminates hazardous Cadmium and improves corrosion resistance, but it also means the two types have different float voltages and cannot be mixed.

Are GNB Absolyte batteries still available?

Yes, but they are now branded as Stryten Energy Absolyte AGP. The product specifications, dimensions, and performance characteristics remain identical to the legacy GNB models, ensuring backward compatibility for rack footprints (though not for mixed strings). The Absolyte battery remains a core product in Stryten’s portfolio.

Can you mix Absolyte IIP and Absolyte GP batteries?

No, you should never mix Absolyte IIP and GP batteries in the same string. They require different float voltages and have different internal resistance profiles. Mixing them will cause charge imbalances, leading to reduced capacity and potential safety hazards.

What is the life expectancy of an Absolyte battery?

The design life of an Absolyte AGP battery is 20 years at 25°C (77°F). However, real-world service life typically ranges from 12 to 15 years depending on operating temperature, discharge frequency, and maintenance adherence.

Limitations & Professional Guidance

Research Limitations

While VRLA technology is mature, lifespan claims are often based on controlled laboratory conditions at 25°C. In real-world applications, particularly in unconditioned outdoor cabinets, the Arrhenius equation applies: for every 10°C (18°F) rise in operating temperature above the optimum, the battery life is cut in half.

Alternatives

For sites with extreme cycling needs or severe weight constraints, Front Terminal VRLA alternatives or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) solutions may offer a better Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). However, the Absolyte line remains superior for ease of recycling (99% recyclability) and proven safety records in occupied spaces.

Professional Consultation

Due to the complexity of IEEE 485 sizing and IBC seismic compliance, we recommend a professional sizing consultation before ordering replacements. This ensures that your new system meets all modern code requirements and that the Stryten Energy warranty remains valid.

Conclusion

From the research labs of Sandia to the manufacturing lines of Stryten Energy, the Absolyte battery remains the gold standard for industrial backup power. While the name on the jar has changed from GNB, the engineering rigor, specifically the Lead-Calcium-Tin innovation, continues to power critical US infrastructure.

Don’t risk compliance with outdated sizing or incompatible chemistries. Contact Critical Power Battery Solutions for a Free IEEE 485 Battery Sizing Consultation. Our engineers will verify your load profile, check your seismic zone requirements, and ensure your replacement string meets all modern Stryten Energy warranty standards.

References

1. Sandia National Laboratories – Utility Battery Storage Systems Program Report for FY93 (SAND93-3899)
2. Atlas Holdings Establishes Stryten Manufacturing (August 25, 2020)
3. IEEE 485-2020 Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries
4. International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 16: Structural Design
5. U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Storage Systems Program