UltraCell is to explore ways to improve portable 50W fuel cell power storage technology to provide dense, lightweight military power sources for warfighters for the US Air Force.
A fuel cell generates power through the reaction of a fuel, such as hydrogen, with oxygen from the external air and can operate continuously for as long as the supply of fuel is maintained.
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The study aims to increase the amount of electrical energy available to power a range of of communications, sensor, display and weapons-control systems, while reducing the its weight as compared with conventional batteries.
Under a $3m contract, UltraCell will evaluate existing 50W soldier-portable electrical power technology and enhance the ruggedisation, reliability, power density and startup time of portable fuel cells for three-day missions.
The research contract has been awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory.
