Hydrogen Production from Inorganic Compounds

Fuel cell power sources offer numerous benefits over conventional power sources like diesel engines for deployment at forward operating bases, silent watch and other applications important to the armed forces. However, the major technical challenge in the implementation of PEM fuel cells is a suitable hydrogen source. For these applications 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 are required. This proposal focuses on the use of Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4) as the hydrogen source. We will address the feasibility of operating our proprietary Hydrogen on Demandr (HODT) fuel processors with water available in the field. We will establish the tolerance of the systems to impurities present in field water and make design modifications to include water purification systems and suitable catalyst technology in the design. This will result in a 5 kW power system design that takes advantage of the high intrinsic gravimetric storage density of sodium borohydride fuel. Technology developed here will also be applicable over a wide range of military and commercial applications at power levels ranging from 5 kW.