Standardized Ultraportable Rugged Fuel-Cell Automated Carrier Equipment

To address the Army"s need for a refillable liquid fuel cartridge for portable methanol fuel cell systems, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to complete the development of the Standardized Ultraportable Rugged Fuel-cell Automated Carrier Equipment (SURFACE), based on a gravity-insensitive storage cartridge coupled with proven (and patented) blind-mating connector technology, allowing safe and efficient liquid fuel transfer to a variety of commercial fuel cell systems. SURFACE is compatible with both commercial body-worn and bench-top fuel cells in addition to accommodating bulk, field-compatible refilling, in a multiple unit configuration, from storage vessels such as 55 gallon drums. As a result, SURFACE can help the U.S. Army adopt a single-fuel policy for dismounted soldiers, thereby simplifying the logistic pipeline for more efficient and rapid troop mobilization. In Phase II POC will optimize the SURFACE architecture to meet military needs and ruggedize the design per MIL-STD-810G while maintaining a mass-production-friendly design that is cost-effective in production volumes. The cartridge will be demonstrated with various commercial fuel cell systems as an integrated system, and a business case analysis will show the logistic benefits of the technology.