High-efficiency durable hydrogen fuel cells for ground vehicle electrification

This SBIR project will develop a high-performance 50 kW heavy-duty fuel cell for unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) applications. Specifically, this project integrates Celadyne's state-of-the-art membranes - previously developed through successful Department of Energy and Air Force AFWERX projectsĀ- to demonstrate fuel cells that are more efficient and durable for US Army applications. The project will deliver a 50 kW unit for benchmarking at US Army Ground Vehicles Systems Command while incorporating feedback from commercial fuel cell developers (Ballard and Toyota) and UGV developers (Pratt Miller). The high-performance membranes meet customer needs (confirmed via customer interviews) for higher durability to meet military asset uptimes, higher operational temperature, and efficiency by addressing membrane hydrogen permeability concerns. Principally, these materials incorporate a proton-conducting hydrogen-blockingĀcoating to reduce hydrogen permeance. This allows thinner membranes forĀhigher efficiency and lower free radical formation for higher durability. In this project, Celadyne will scale the materials using a roll-to-roll process, integrate the materials into a 50 kW fuel cell stack with input from Pratt Miller and US Army GVSC,Ādeliver the stack for benchmarking at US GVSC, and work with Pratt Miller for transition in Phase III for integration into an Autonomous Ground Vehicle.