SBIR-STTR Award

Fuel cell power sources offer numerous benefits over conventional power sources like diesel engines for deployment at forward operating bases, silent watch and other applications important to the armed forces. However, the major technical challenge in the implementation of PEM fuel cells is a suitable hydrogen source. For these applications fuel processors based on hydrolysis of chemical hydrides provide a safe hydrogen source when low noise, low thermal signature and rapid start-up under low footprint conditions are required. This proposal focuses on the use of Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4) as the hydrogen source. We will address the feasibility of operating our proprietary Hydrogen on Demandr (HODT) fuel processors with water available in the field. We will establish the tolerance of the systems to impurities present in field water and make design modifications to include water purification systems and suitable catalyst technology in the design. This will result in a 5 kW power system design that takes advantage of the high intrinsic gravimetric storage density of sodium borohydride fuel. Technology developed here will also be applicable over a wide range of military and commercial applications at power levels ranging from <100 W to >5 kW.

PEM fuel cells power sources offer numerous benefits over conventional power sources like batteries and diesel engines for a myriad of military and commercial applications including portable power, backup power for critical security and communications systems and other low signature applications that are important to the armed forces. However, the major technical challenge in the implementation of PEM fuel cells is a suitable hydrogen source. Fuel processors based on hydrolysis of chemical hydrides provide a safe hydrogen source when low noise, low thermal signature and rapid start-up under low footprint conditions is required. Sodium Borohydride based Hydrogen on DemandÆ (HODô) fuel processors offer special logistics advantages when operated with impure field water. Based on the feasibility results established in Phase I, we will develop a water management module that will facilitate operation of the HOD system with impure field water. Integration of the HOD system with a PEM fuel cell will result in a fuel cell power system prototype for evaluation by the Army. The modular, scalable design concept for the power system developed will be applicable over a wide range of military and commercial applications at power levels ranging from <100 W to >5 kW.

Keywords:
Fuel Cell, Hydrogen On Demand, Sodium Borohydride, Field Water, Low Signature, Back-Up Power, Hydrolysis, Hydrogen