Hydrogen Capture or Utilization in Mg/Fe Based Chemical Heaters

An inline method is proposed by Westford MicroCells to capture and use the hydrogen released from flameless ration heaters. 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 the Phase I program, we will demonstrate the electrochemical reaction process culminating in a heater unit that readily integrates with the flameless ration heater. The Phase I program will result in an alpha-prototype unit along with a preliminary design of the complete unit. During the Phase II program, we will develop, demonstrate, and deliver a beta-prototype of the proposed electrochemical hydrogen reactor.