Modular Intelligent Hydrogen Transfer System (MIHTS)

ORBITEC proposes an innovative Modular Intelligent Hydrogen Transfer System (MIHTS) to meet USAF vehicle fleet needs for hydrogen-fueled transportation applications. It is widely anticipated that a hydrogen energy economy will evolve and become thestandard source of fuel for transportation, and other energy requirements, in the US and abroad. Hydrogen offers the promise of a renewable energy source, nearly zero emissions, elimination of greenhouse gas production, the ability for localizedproduction plants, and a reduction and eventual elimination of foreign dependence for US fuel needs. The USAF plans to capitalize on the many benefits of hydrogen and is currently investing in hydrogen energy infrastructure to meet several operationalneeds. ORBITEC proposes an innovative approach to a critical element of this infrastructure, a low-cost, safe, and reliable hydrogen transfer system to pressurize storage tanks and refuel a myriad of Air Force hydrogen powered vehicles. MIHTS iscomprised of the following four major elements: (1) Safety and Operational Standards; (2) Intelligent Control System; (3) Sensor Suite; and (4) Hydrogen Fluid Circuit. Phase I will involve the definition of MIHTS systems requirements; generation of adetailed MIHTS design; cost-benefit analysis; and development of a Phase II MIHTS systems integration plan. Phase II would involve the development and testing of a prototype MIHTS system for delivery to USAF. Hydrogen offers the promise of a renewableenergy source, nearly zero emissions, high efficiency, elimination of greenhouse gas production, the ability for localized production plants, and a reduction and eventual elimination of foreign dependence on oil. It can be used in conventional powergeneration technologies, such as automobile engines and power plant turbines, or in fuel cells, which are relatively cleaner and more efficient than conventional technologies. Fuel cells have broad application potential in both transportation andelectrical power generation, including on-site generation for individual homes and office buildings. If the enormous market potential and benefits of the hydrogen economy are to be realized, a significant hydrogen energy infrastructure must be developed.A critical element of this infrastructure is a low-cost, safe, and reliable hydrogen transfer system that can pressurize storage tanks as well as fuel a myriad of different hydrogen powered vehicles and power generation systems. The MIHTS was specificallyoriginated to address this need for the future USAF vehicle fleet, and is projected to have sizeable spin-off potential within commercial markets.