Small Scale Fuel Cells for Ground Personnel

The goal of this Phase II SBIR project is to develop the next generation of Protonex' low cost, reliable polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks for hydrogen and direct methanol fuels. Protonex has already demonstrated the capability toproduce low cost, reliable fuel cells utilizing our proprietary (patent pending) technology. In the phase I, our stack technology was adapted to utilize rolled good MEAs, compatible with high volume production techniques under development by most majorMEA producers. Stack prototypes from Phase I are already being incorporated into portable power systems by our teaming partners. These systems represent a significant advantage in solider power over both traditional batteries and other likely portablepower technologies. Phase II of this program will advance Protonex state of the art stacks, further reducing the size, weight and cost of these units. In addition, Protonex will extend the stack designs and manufacturing to direct methanol fuel cells.The result will be best-in-class, manufacturable, reliable, DMFC and hydrogen fueled PEM stacks. In addition to military applications, developments in fuel cell power sources will have impact on a wide range of commercial power sources including batterychargers, portable medical devices, laptops, and emergency power and lighting.