Fuel Cells: For Soldiers, Not Cars

Although much attention is placed on the development of fuel cells of powering cars of the future, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has provided a contract worth $3-million (funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) for the production of 65 fuel cell systems that can be used for the “50W Soldier Portable Fuel Cell System” program. That’s right: fuel cells that soldiers in the field in places like Afghanistan can deploy. The contract was awarded to UltraCell Corp. (ultracellpower.com), which operates a 30,000-ft2 factory in Dayton, OH, not far from the AFRL.

The fuel cells that will be produced are the XX55. This fuel cell runs on methanol. It provides 50 watts of continuous power and 85 watts of peak power over the span of a 72-hour mission; measures 10.7 x 8.2 x 3.2-in. without a battery pack (12.6 x 8.3 x 3.3 in. with a battery pack); and weighs just 3.5 lb (sans battery pack or cartridge). It is intended for performing such tasks as powering military radios and rugged laptops, as well as recharging batteries in the field.

Some of the funds awarded to UltraCell are also for expanding the development of portable fuel cell systems, such as designing an accessories kit and expanding battery recharging capability.

AFRL’’s Propulsion Directorate is overseeing the implementation and evaluation of the program.

“Advanced portable fuel cell technology will play a key role in the future of the U.S. dismounted warfighter,” said USAF Lieutenant Mark Roosz, program manager at the AFRL.

It will also undoubtedly play a key role in other technologies, including the aforementioned cars of the future.