Under contract with the U.S. Army, Battelle, Pacific Northwest Division (Battelle) is developing a hybrid power system designed to provide 15 to 25 watts of electric power for the dismounted soldier. This methanol-fueled system is designed to be completely portable and will provide up to 14 days of electric power before refueling. The final system will include an integrated micro-technology-based fuel processor, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and a rechargeable battery, and is expected to weigh less than 1 kg (excluding fuel). Current focus of the development work is on the integrated fuel processor, which will be at the heart of the final system. Thermal efficiencies greater than 80% have been demonstrated in this device at up to 54 watts electric equivalent output
Revised: August 17, 2010 |
Published: January 22, 2003
Citation
Palo D.R., E.G. Baker, Y. Chin, J.D. Holladay, and R.A. Dagle. 2003.Fuel Processor Development for a Soldier-Portable Power System. In AIChE 2003 Spring National Meeting, 2nd Topical Conference on Fuel Cell Technology, 143-147. New York, New York:AIChE. PNWD-SA-5863.