Wow.. I guess I'm the only one on SI following this company..
New PR today that I believe is significant. A 150-250 watt power source is really a major advantage for units that perform long-range recon, or hanging out in "hide sites" (SpecOps, Voice Intercept, Snipers.. etc)
Protonex Develops Quiet Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Prototype for Military Operations
Wednesday February 8, 9:46 am ET
SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2006--Protonex Technology Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-performance fuel cell power systems for portable and remote applications, has developed a quiet, durable, energy-dense auxiliary power unit (APU) based on hydrogen fuel cell technology for use by the U.S. military as a refuelable power source. The system will provide 150 to 250 watts of power for electronic and communications equipment for U.S. forces, which may require several days of quiet power for a single mission.
The Protonex APU combines the Company's state-of-the-art fuel cell system with Hydrogen on Demand® sodium borohydride fueling technology developed by Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ: MCEL - News). The system will be capable of replacing eight auxiliary batteries that currently supply silent power during missions. The fuel cell system will eliminate the need for these heavy batteries and allow longer mission duration. The system will also reduce the need for idling vehicle engines to supply power, dramatically reducing detectable heat and noise signatures.
Protonex systems are designed to meet the stringent specifications of the military, including wide operating temperature range (-20 to 50 degrees C) and portability. Scott Pearson, Protonex CEO, commented, "The need for this system and the demanding specifications are pushing our development teams to reach ever-higher goals for system size, weight and performance. This work with the U.S. military has presented us with the opportunity to leverage our learning from soldier power programs into applications such as silent watch and mobile robotics."
About Protonex Technology Corporation
www.protonex.com
Protonex Technology Corporation develops and manufactures the smallest, lightest and highest performing fuel cell systems for portable power applications in the 10 to 500 watt range. The Company is meeting the needs of OEM customers for off-grid applications underserved by existing technologies by providing customizable, stand-alone portable power solutions and systems that may be hybridized with existing power technologies. The Company is based in Southborough, Massachusetts, and has established partnerships with Northrop Grumman Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation and Millennium Cell Inc. to jointly develop advanced power solutions.
biz.yahoo.com |
