Scalable Fuel Cell Configurations for Applications in Airborne Weapon Systems

ABSTRACT:The development of advanced, scalable prime power systems is a key aspect of future weapon systems design and deployment. Directed Energy weapons systems typically require prime power inputs ranging from kilowatt to megawatt levels. The authors propose to design a scalable, hybrid fuel cell/high power battery system that is capable of operating within a variety of airborne environments to replace conventional prime power systems such as turbine generators. The proposed design will provide a complete prime power system for a mission including self-contained fuel, power conditioning interface between the fuel cell and battery storage, and a compact state of the art thermal management system. The high peak power and energy requirements of many Directed Energy weapons systems are characteristics that match well with the capabilities of a hybrid system of high energy fuel cells and high power batteries. Fuel cell technologies are ideal to replace turbines and other conventional prime power systems for weapons systems because of the low environmental impact, minimal start up time, efficiency of converting primary fuel, such as H2 gas, directly into electricity, and scalable components to achieve a variety of prime power specifications.BENEFIT:The anticipated benefits for this SBIR include the development of innovative solutions for prime power systems for airborne weapons applications. Directed Energy systems have large intermittent pulsed load that is stressful on conventional prime power solutions. The Compact Hybrid Airborne Power System, CHAPS fills a need for the Air Force and the DoD in general. As more systems become all electric the demand for fuel cell/battery hybrid systems will increase and CHAPS will meet the requirements.