Lightweight Man-Portable SOFC Power System

In this proposed SBIR project, Nexceris will design, develop and demonstrate a man-portable solid oxide fuel cell system for U.S. Army applications. The targeted power system will operate on propane, deliver at least 2 kW of steady state power and support short-term peak loads of up to 13 kW. The system will be designed for a minimum efficiency of 25 percent, weight of less than 45 kg and volume of less than 65 liters. In Phase I, Nexceris will establish a design for this power system that meets requirements stated in the solicitation (which will be refined in the project). Work in the Phase I Option will involve design of a system to enable demonstration of the key features of the SOFC system design. In Phase II, the demonstration system will be built and tested to validate system operation under targeted conditions, and stack durability testing will be performed. Successful execution of this project will result in a substantial improvement in reliability, size and weight of SOFC-based power systems and provide the Army with a critical capability for our soldiers.