Silent energy source for tactical applications

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/62.212582· OSTI ID:6405641

Taschek, W G; Jacobs, R ^[1]

---

1. U.S. Army Belvoir, Fort Belvoir, VA (United States)

The Soldier System includes all items/equipment that are worn, consumed or carried by the soldier in the field for his or her individual use. The Soldier System required capabilities fall under five functional areas: Lethality; Command and Control; Survivability; Sustainment; and Mobility. The development of a power source for the Soldier System is critical if the required capabilities are to be obtained. The inherent characteristics of fuel cell power sources, such as silence and high efficiency, make them prime candidates for a Soldier System power source. The Proton Exchange Members (PEM) cell coupled with a good hydrogen source offers a very attractive power source for the Soldier System and for other portable requirements within the 'Gray Area.' Given a cell stack weight of 3-6 kg and 250 grams of hydrogen, designs using available technology could achieve system weights of 10-15 kg depending on the type of hydrogen storage system used. Improvements in the cell stack technology are expected to continue and the hydrogen source, for the near term is expected to be the pacing item.

• OSTI ID: 6405641
• Journal Information: IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Vol. 8:5; ISSN 0885-8985; ISSN IAEMEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501 -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
300504* -- Fuel Cells-- Applications
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450000 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FUEL CELLS
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
POWER SUPPLIES
SPECIFICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT