Compact, Lightweight, Power-Dense, Integrated Fuel Cell System

Under Phase I, Altex demonstrated the feasibility of a scalable, compact, lightweight, power-dense, Integrated Fuel Cell System (IFCS) that produces over 1 kW of electric power, for air vehicle integration, including unmanned aircraft systems. IFCS is scalable to 10 kWe, as required by the topic, and can be scaled up further, as needed, for larger applications. The proposed project consists of Phase II Base and Phase II Option segments. Under the Phase II Base segment, a compact, lightweight and scalable IFCS Alpha prototype will be developed and tested. These activities are designed to demonstrate that the functionality of the IFCS is suitable for a UAS, including meeting its propulsion, power, and load-following needs. Under the Phase II Option segment, the system TRL will be increased, to produce a Beta prototype that will be delivered to NAVAIR, for load-following tests and demonstration to the stakeholders, for transitioning the IFCS technology to the forces. The commercialization and transition of IFCS will be coordinated with a major defense contractor, throughout the proposed project.