Fuel Cell power sources offer numerous benefits over conventional primary and secondary batteries. The major technical challenge in the implementation of PEM fuel cells is a suitable hydrogen source. In particular, for portable power applications (20-250 W), there is a need to improve the energy density levels of the hydrogen sources to meet many of DoD mission requirements. Millennium Cell has gained significant experience in the development of portable hydrogen sources based on chemical hydrides such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4). In this effort, we will develop a novel approach towards hydrogen generation: reacting an acid solution with a solid sodium borohydride fuel blend. We will design, build and test, a scaleable 30 W hydrogen fuel system to controllably produce hydrogen based on the novel reactor design concept. A thorough safety analysis of the hydrogen generator system based on the design and selected materials will be performed, with a focus on operational safety and transportability. A proof-of-concept prototype that will meet or exceed the specified DoD requirements will be demonstrated at TRL 5.
Keywords: SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE, FUEL CELL, HYDROGEN ON DEMAND, ACID SOLUTION, HYDROLYSIS, HYDROGEN
