FUEL CELL MANPACK POWER SOURCE.
Abstract
Lightweight fuel cells coupled with secondary batteries in a hybrid configuration constitute useful and versatile sources of power. The secondary battery provides required power density and instantly available power while the fuel cell efficiently converts a primary fuel to electrical power at a continuous steady rate to sustain high energy density over extended missions. Miniaturized electronic controls enable automatic system operation for maximum operator simplicity. Electrical output characteristics are suitable for direct operation of electronic equipment with random duty cycles or for recharging secondary batteries. Development of a 30-watt system using a solid form of hydrogen, lithium hydride or sodium aluminum hydride, and a 60-watt system using a liquid form, hydrazine (N2H4), has shown concept feasibility. These chemical fuel forms, which can be successfully packaged for field supply, afford an extremely high energy density making the hybrid fuel cell system competitive on cost per kilowatt hour with standard military zinc-carbon primary batteries. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0680894
Entities
People
- Frank J. Wrublewski
- Galen R. Frysinger
- William L. Dudley
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command