Hydrogen Production from Inorganic Compounds

PEM fuel cells power sources offer numerous benefits over conventional power sources like batteries and diesel engines for a myriad of military and commercial applications including portable power, backup power for critical security and communications systems and other low signature applications that are important to the armed forces. However, the major technical challenge in the implementation of PEM fuel cells is a suitable hydrogen source. Fuel processors based on hydrolysis of chemical hydrides provide a safe hydrogen source when low noise, low thermal signature and rapid start-up under low footprint conditions is required. Sodium Borohydride based Hydrogen on Demand® (HOD™) fuel processors offer special logistics advantages when operated with impure field water. Based on the feasibility results established in Phase I, we will develop a water management module that will facilitate operation of the HOD system with impure field water. Integration of the HOD system with a PEM fuel cell will result in a fuel cell power system prototype for evaluation by the Army. The modular, scalable design concept for the power system developed will be applicable over a wide range of military and commercial applications at power levels ranging from 5 kW.