Protonex signs Army fuel-cell deal

Southboro-Mass.-based Protonex Technology (LSE: PTX.L) said it has received a $400,000 research award for its solid-oxide fuel-cell system.

Under the terms of the deal, Protonex will adapt its propane-fuel system to run on liquid fuels such as butanol, gasoline, kerosene and desulfurized JP-8 fuel.

The research-and-development program plans to focus on advancing the fuel cell power system for both conventional and renewable military formulations (see Protonex awards Millennium U.S. military fuel cell subcontract).

The results of the research work are expected to be delivered to the Army Research Office at the end of the one-year program.

Last month, Protonex signed a $301,000 partnership deal with Ensign Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBA&D) to develop an advanced fuel-cell power source capable of providing 100 watts of portable power for select military applications.

EBA&D said its fueling subsystem converts ammonia borane, a hydrogen-rich chemical compound, into hydrogen. Protonex said its fuel-cell system will then use that hydrogen to generate electricity.

Mobile electricity generation is especially important to soldiers who need to power a variety of military devices and equipment.

In general, fuel cells have the potential to generate more electricity per unit weight than batteries (see Protonex, Raytheon to test portable fuel cells). And fuel cells puts out less noise and heat than gas and diesel powered generators. That’s why military officials consider the fuel cell as a critical future power source for the battlefield.