High Power Density Regenerative SOFCs

The U.S. Air Force has identified a need for lightweight electrochemical energy production for systems where gravimetric and volumetric power densities are of premium importance. These devices will provide and/or supplement the primary power systems on air platforms such as monitoring and surveillance aircraft, including long endurance high altitude (LEHA) surveillance aircraft. For LEHA aircraft, fuel cells are required to provide auxiliary and/or primary power, to increased fuel efficiency and mission time. In this Phase II proposal, NexTech Materials proposes to develop SOFC cell technology identified in Phase I into an electrochemical stack with high mechanical strength combined with high gravimetric and volumetric power density.