US Army PEM fuel cell programs

Abstract

The United States Army has identified the need for lightweight power sources to provide the individual soldier with continuous power for extended periods without resupply. Due to the high cost of primary batteries and the high weight of rechargeable batteries, fuel cell technology is being developed to provide a power source for the individual soldier, sensors, communications equipment and other various applications in the Army. Current programs are in the tech base area and will demonstrate proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power sources with low weight and high energy densities. Fuel cell power sources underwent user evaluations in 1996 that showed a power source weight reduction of 75%. The quiet operation along with the ability to refuel much like an engine was well accepted by the user and numerous applications were investigated. These programs are now aimed at further weight reduction for applications that are weight critical; system integration that will demonstrate a viable military power source; refining the user requirements; and planning for a transition to engineering development.