Fuel Cell Supply Integration and Safety Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-154 Topic Title: Fuel Cell Supply Integration and Safety Proposal No.: N042-154-0 Firm: Scimitar Technologies LLC 2005 Big Horn Drive Austin, Texas 78734-3303 Contact: Brian Muskopf Phone: (512) 692-9663 Abstract: Man-portable fuel cell systems are currently being developed that could replace batteries and provide extended run-time power systems for U.S. Marine Corp tactical systems. However, little attention has been paid on how to safely store, transport and use fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, butane and sodium borohydride that are proposed to run these fuel cell power systems. DOT and DOD regulations that address storage, transportation and use of hazardous materials need to be investigated and defined in order to develop fuel cell tank systems that will meet all DOT and DOD safety requirements. This project proposes to develop man-portable fuel cell tank systems that will meet all DOT and DOD storage, transportation and use safety regulations, allowing fully fueled fuel cell tank systems to be stored and shipped using all approved modes of transportation, including naval aircraft and ships. A cost/benefit trade-off study will be conducted to rank the proposed fuel types and conceptual designs will be developed for at least two fuel cell tank systems using two different fuel types. The fuel cell tank system design concepts will be lightweight, man-portable, low cost, durable, fire, impact and corrosion resistant, and compatible with all storage, transportation and operational environments. Benefits: The successful development of lightweight, man-portable, composite fuel cell tank systems that meet DOT and DOD storage, transportation and use regulations will allow for the shipping and storage of fully fuelled fuel cell tanks, significantly improving the efficiency of the U.S. Navy logistics chain and providing an immediate significant market with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp. Other significant DOD markets include portable fuel cell tank system applications with the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Lightweight fuel cell tank systems also have significant private sector markets where there is a requirement for portable power and energy systems. Any portable systems envisioned to use small fuel cells in the future will require lightweight, durable fuel cell tank systems that meet DOT storage, transportation and use regulations. Return