JP-8 Fueled Electrified Combat Vehicles

All-electric propulsion of next generation combat vehicles offers capability enhancement, e.g., silent operation, resulting in survivability and lethality improvements over existing systems. Battery operated systems are limited by energy storage capacity. Even the best battery chemistries can only enable ~0.5 kW-hrs/kg. JP-8 on the other hand contains ~12 kW-hrs/kg, i.e., over an order of magnitude higher energy density. Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) has proven a fuel cell-based design that efficiently converts the stored energy in liquid fuels into electrical energy for propulsion or export. The process consists of electrochemical power generation via a recently developed, advanced Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) paired with complementary power/control electronics and balance of plant components. This results in a silent, power-dense generator capable of meeting transportation and mobility requirements that can potentially replace internal combustion engines. The fuel to propulsion efficiency can be up to 2x higher resulting in extended, silent operation of vehicle assets with reduced CO2 footprint. It also offers the potential for UGV’s, UAS, and soldier wearable power generation. We are proposing to mature the core technology for future combat vehicles. We are currently collaborating with a major Army combat vehicle supplier for evaluating vehicle capabilities. We are also collaborating with and delivering prototypes to commercial partners for future vehicles.