Portable fuel cells: commercial and military applications
Student name: Ms Radhika Sharma
Guide: Dr O.P. Rao
Year of completion: 2013
Host Organisation: TATA Power SED, Mumbai
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Devendra Goyal
Abstract: Portable fuel cells systems are defined as those systems that are easily transported or
wearable, not permanently fixed, and capable of generating up to 3,000 Watts of power.
There are three main markets for fuel cell technology: stationary power, transportation power,
and portable power. Army deploys different range of powered equipments to carry out their
mission. Night vision devices, digital communication systems, computing, sensors and other
advanced electronics system require continuous supply of power.
Primary batteries provide the main energy source, but the acquisition, storage, distribution,
and disposal of over a hundred different battery types poses an enormous logistical challenge
on the battlefield. New technologies have at the same time increased the number and variety
of power-driven functions that require soldier-portable power. Applications for portable fuel
cells include portable electronics, external battery chargers, remote monitoring, and military
applications. It includes both a fuel cell and a source of hydrogen or hydrogen rich fuel,
typically in a fuel cartridge, which can be refilled or replaced. The many benefits that fuel
cells provide are low-to-no emissions, lower maintenance costs, high reliability, silent
operation, faster fueling, and constant, high-quality, uninterrupted power; also tip the balance
in favor of fuel cells. Two fundamental problems faced by the usage of fuel cells are slow
reaction rate leading to low power density and availability of hydrogen. Other causes of
concern are system weight and operating temperature which can be better understood and
worked upon by analyzing various types of portable fuel cell options available.
Through this study, the challenges such as hydrogen storage- cost, reversibility, storage mass
and volumetric densities are recognized and the importance of synergy between commercial
and military application is understood. The success of portable fuel cell power sources for
military and commercial applications depends largely on the development of acceptable
hydrogen sources. As storage possibilities for hydrogen and other fuel sources of fuel cells is
improved, the systems will become even more light weight and will provide longer runtime.
Keywords: Portable, fuel cell, military.
