Hydrogen Capture or Utilization in Mg/Fe Based Chemical Heaters

An inline method is proposed by MicroCell Technologies to capture and use the hydrogen released from flameless ration heaters used in the Remote Unit Self Heating Meal (RUSHM) group ration. Our proposed approach electrochemically reacts the hydrogen to form electricity, heat, and water such that no hydrogen is released to the environment. The electricity generated by the electrochemical reaction may be used to operate external electronic conveyances such as digital equipment, radios, computers, and battery chargers or the electricity may be used with integrated electrical heaters within the ration or heater unit. During a Phase I program we demonstrated the viability of this approach indicating technical and economic feasibility. For the Phase II program we will continue developing this electrochemical reaction process focusing on optimizing performance, lowering material and manufacturing costs, and integrating it into the RUSHM units. Working with our commercialization partner, we will evaluate prototypes operating in RUSHM units to assess the performance. At the completion of the two-year long program, we will deliver prototype units of the electrochemical hydrogen reactor to the Army for further evaluation and testing.