Lightweight, High Strength, Low Permeability Proton Exchange Membrane for High Differential Pressure Electrolytic Hydrogen Production

The DoD is investigating the development of high altitude airships (HAA) to fill the capability gap between current aerial vehicles and satellites. The HAA will require dramatic improvements in lightweight, highly efficient electric powerstorage/regeneration systems. A key enabling technology is the development of a lightweight, high pressure, high current density electrolyzer to produce hydrogen fuel solar power for a fuel cell. Foster-Miller, Inc. (FMI) proposes to develop the keyelectrolyzer element - a lightweight, robust, high pressure differential (1000 psi), high current density (2000 mA/cm2), low hydrogen permeability solid polymer electrolyte(SPE) proton exchange membrane (PEM) based on its patented PBO based microcompositehigh strength fuel cell membrane technology. Teaming with Proton Energy Systems, a leading maker of electrolyzer system and with support from Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Akron, a leader in HAA development, FMI during Phase I will conclusively prove thefeasibility of its electrolyzer membrane reaching the HAA objectives. During Phase II prototype MEAs will be demonstrated and tested leading to design and fabrication of test electrolyzers in Phase III with commercial sale by Proton shortly thereafter.(P-030207) The successful completion of this proposed program will overcome a serious technical barrier to the deployment of the HAA by providing the key enabling membrane technology for a truly lightweight, high efficiency reasonable cost electrolyzer for hydrogenfuel production. There are many other UAV as well as commercial remote power generation applications that will benefit from this technology adavance.