Compact, Lightweight, Power-Dense, Integrated Fuel Cell System
Navy SBIR FY2018.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1
Topic No.: N181-013
Topic Title: Compact, Lightweight, Power-Dense, Integrated Fuel Cell System
Proposal No.: N181-013-1017
Firm: NexTech Materials, Ltd. dba Nexceris, LLC
404 Enterprise Dr.
Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
Contact: Scott Swartz
Phone: (614) 842-6606
Web Site: http://www.nexceris.com
Abstract: In this proposed SBIR project, Nexceris will design, develop and demonstrate an ultra-high power density, integrated fuel cell system (IFCS) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) power and propulsion. The targeted system will operate on military logistic fuel (JP-5 or JP-8), deliver 1 kW of power, and weigh less than 35 pounds, and the design will be scalable down to 500 watts and up to 10 kW. In Phase I of this project, Nexceris will establish a preliminary design for a 1-kW scale power system that meets he specific requirements stated in the solicitation (which will be further refined during the project). Work in the Phase I Option will involve design of the Phase II integrated demonstration system. In Phase II, high power density SOFC stacks of the targeted design will be built and tested against design requirements, and a demonstration system will be built, tested to validate system operation under targeted conditions, and then delivered to NAVAIR. Successful execution of this project will result in a substantial improvement in simplicity, reliability, size and weight of SOFC-based power systems.
Benefits: The SOFC technology to be developed on this project is specifically geared toward meeting the demanding requirements of unmanned aerospace systems. The technology will greatly reduce the size and weight of SOFC system and enable longer mission durations using readily available fuels. Other military applications that will benefit from the development of this fuel cell technology include battery chargers, auxiliary power units, tent city heat and power systems, runway lighting, and unmanned ground vehicle power systems. Successful adoption by military markets could lead to adoption by larger commercial markets, including auxiliary power units for trucks, residential combined heat and power systems, and distributed power generation.

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