Rep. Cox Obtains Fed Support For US Army Hydrogen Infrastructure Program

ENERGY TECH

Will hydrogen tech need to first cut it's teeth on the battlefield before getting the kinks knocked out of it?

Washington DC (SPX) Mar 01, 2005
Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, announced that he has secured $2 million in the FY 2005 Defense Appropriations Bill for Irvine-based Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies

Worldwide's U.S. Army Mobile Hydrogen Infrastructure program.

This program will help the Army address the fuel requirements for fuel cells by developing the supporting hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

This program will leverage Quantum's experience and the significant investments currently being made by major automakers, technology companies, and the Department of Energy toward development of fuel cells for commercial applications.

The program will evaluate the various opportunities that exist to generate hydrogen on-site via Quantum's hydrogen refueling systems, including using available solar and wind-generated electricity for electrolysis of water or through reformation of hydrocarbon fuels.

The funds will be used to deploy and demonstrate Quantum's patented mobile hydrogen refueling systems to support hydrogen-powered fuel cell applications operating in remote locations. Quantum was recently awarded a significant

U. S. Patent for mobile and transportable hydrogen refuelers as announced on February 15, 2005. This program is in addition to the refueling and vehicle contracts previously awarded to Quantum by the Army.

Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum, praised Congressman Cox for his support, "The Armed Services are currently in the process of revolutionizing their combat strategies and systems, focusing on improving energy efficiency and stealth operations, two requirements well-served by hydrogen and fuel cells.

"Fuel cell technology is currently being developed for military use as auxiliary power units and for vehicle propulsion, both of which offer great benefits to the Army's transformation strategy in reducing the size of the deployed logistics footprint and the signature of future Army platforms. This funding that Congressman Cox secured will play a critical role in helping to achieve these goals."

United Defense, Battelle Demonstrate Prototype Fuel Cell Power Unit

Meanwhile Battelle and United Defense Industries have teamed to develop and demonstrate a prototype fuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle that is designed to increase fuel efficiency and reduce logistics burden for the U.S. Army.

The system is designed to provide sufficient power to operate the vehicle's electronics indefinitely without engaging the main engine.

This fuel cell technology was developed at Battelle's laboratories in Columbus, Ohio and Richland, Washington, with funding support from the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and its National Automotive Center, The system was integrated into a Bradley Fighting Vehicle by United Defense at its Ground Systems Division facility in Santa Clara, Calif.

Both organizations are displaying this technology at the Association of the U.S. Army's Winter Symposium here today through February 18 at the Broward County Convention Center.

Enhancing fuel efficiency while maintaining effectiveness will further enhance the combat effectiveness of the battle-proven Bradley, a key vehicle system for the Army in intense urban combat and rural scenarios.

A large percentage of the tonnage in a military deployment is fuel. Increasing fuel efficiency can enhance military responsiveness by easing the logistic burden.

"By combining the strengths and scientific know-how of our two teams, we hope to provide the U.S. military and the troops in the field with an advanced technical solution to a very real problem," said Steve Kelly, Senior Vice President of Battelle's National Security Division.

"Fuel cell technology offers a silent, clean, state-of-the-art enhancement for current force vehicles such as the Bradley," said Andy Hove, United Defense's Director of Bradley Combat systems.

"Integration of Battelle's three-kilowatt fuel cell will not only give Bradley crews a silent watch capability, it will also reduce the stress on the main engine, lower the overall fuel consumption and reduce the heat level in and around the vehicle."

ENERGY TECH

Analysis: Nuclear Future Coming Together?

Washington DC (UPI) Feb 28, 2005
Representatives of the United States, Japan and Europe will sign an agreement Monday that, in a best-case scenario, will lead to a future in which nuclear power is seen as a boon to the environment and less of a risk to world security.

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