Portable Hydrogen Filling System for Expeditionary Advanced Bases

Warfighters operating from expeditionary advanced bases face unique logistical challenges, none more so than securing reliable sources of energy. Hydrogen power has the potential to provide reliable energy to support expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) due to the potential to generate hydrogen from water through electrolysis. Creare proposes to develop a Lightweight, Intelligent Hydrogen Refueling Platform (LIHRP) which will serve a critical function in distributing hydrogen from fixed production/storage facilities to portable tanks supporting generators and other devices. Our innovative device blends commercially available components (e.g., valves and sensors) with Creare innovations (miniature vacuum pump, custom control electronics and firmware) to create a man-portable device capable of safely transferring high-pressure hydrogen fuel between tanks. In Phase I, we will refine the design of our device and prove feasibility through a brassboard hydrogen transfer demonstration. In Phase II, we will produce prototype LIHRPs for performance evaluation and qualification testing.