Innovative DMFC Power Supply for NDI Hand Tools

ABSTRACT: The Air Force regularly uses eddy current and ultrasonic NDI equipment which can be configured with a wide range of battery chemistries. Many of these battery chemistries, which include toxic heavy metals, are detrimental to the environment and can be difficult and costly to dispose of. The Air Force is seeking a new power supply for applicable NDI equipment that reduces the environmental and budgetary impact from their battery use and disposal. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) represent the next generation of portable power supplies for use in a wide range of portable long run time applications. The use of a high specific energy liquid fuel (methanol) enables longer run times while occupying less weight and volume than competing battery technologies. In addition, DMFCs are environmentally friendly considering their fuel can be made from renewable resources, are easily recycled and have an exhaust similar to a human"s exhalation. Mainstream Engineering proposes the development of a DMFC brassboard to demonstrate the benefits of DMFCs as an excellent alternative power supply for use with applicable NDI equipment reducing overall environmental impact while improving utilization and usability of the NDI test equipment. BENEFIT: The proposed innovative Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) system has numerous benefits. The DMFC will be a significant money saver by reducing environmental and logistics costs to the Department of Defense. In addition, the DMFC is a highly flexible power source and can easily be scaled to meet the power demands from various applications. Mainstream Engineering anticipates a significant demand for this technology in the personal electronics charging market, remote recreational-use power source market, and backup power market. Any device that requires up to 1000W of electrical power would be an excellent candidate for DMFCs.