Compact, Lightweight, Power-Dense, Integrated Fuel Cell System

In this proposed SBIR project, Nexceris will design, develop and demonstrate an ultra-high power density, integrated fuel cell system (IFCS) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) power and propulsion. The targeted system will operate on military logistic fuel (JP-5 or JP-8), deliver 1 kW of power, and weigh less than 35 pounds, and the design will be scalable down to 500 watts and up to 10 kW. In Phase I of this project, Nexceris will establish a preliminary design for a 1-kW scale power system that meets he specific requirements stated in the solicitation (which will be further refined during the project). Work in the Phase I Option will involve design of the Phase II integrated demonstration system. In Phase II, high power density SOFC stacks of the targeted design will be built and tested against design requirements, and a demonstration system will be built, tested to validate system operation under targeted conditions, and then delivered to NAVAIR. Successful execution of this project will result in a substantial improvement in simplicity, reliability, size and weight of SOFC-based power systems.