High Density Solid Hydrogen Storage for Long-Duration Soldier Power

Providing power for dismounted soldiers on long-duration missions remains a critical technical challenge. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells convert hydrogen fuel directly to electric power and offer a lightweight and efficient power source for individual soldiers. However, technology for storing the hydrogen fuel is still too heavy to meet the Army’s mission requirements. We propose to develop a very lightweight, solid hydrogen storage technology based on ammonia borane (AB) (H3NBH3). Our innovation is a unique packaging and thermal control system that will produce hydrogen on demand through controlled thermal decomposition of AB. This approach can enable hydrogen fuel cartridges for individual soldier power systems that meet the Army’s challenging goals for hydrogen density. In Phase I we will prove the feasibility of our approach through laboratory demonstrations of hydrogen generation using a prototypical packaging approach, then use data from these tests to produce a mechanical design of a lightweight hydrogen fuel cartridge. In Phase II we will build a complete, prototype hydrogen generator and demonstrate its use as a fuel source for a PEM fuel cell.