Novel Hybrid Fuel Cell Energy System for High Power Multi-Pulse Discharge

The Air Force Research Laboratorys Directed Energy Directorate is actively developing the next generation of high-power pulse discharge microwave and laser weapons for airborne applications. These weapons could essentially have limitless ammunition if prime power sources that are low mass, and can provide the electrical power needed, and be recharged once the weapon has been discharged are developed. Current prime power sources require a long startup time, consume fuel during stand-by flight scenarios, and are not well suited for an on-demand direct current pulse power system. Additionally, when turbo generators are used to supply power to a directed energy weapon, the aircraft loses a substantial amount of thrust, which is very undesirable during a mission. Lynntech has developed a hybrid fuel cell power system that is comprised of a high energy density proton exchange membrane fuel cell and a high power delivery Li-ion battery.The battery provides the high power pulse while the fuel cell serves to recharge the battery bank through constant power operation. At the core of this system is Lynntechs enabling high specific power fuel cell technology, which allows us to develop a scaleable and flexible system that can be easily integrated for use in airborne platforms.