The goal of this 2-year, $749,999 contract is to demonstrate a multi-kilowatt-capable closed-loop hydrogen-oxygen regenerative fuel cell and is a continuation of work completed in Phase I of this project.
This regenerative fuel cell can generate pressurized hydrogen and oxygen electrochemically, without mechanical compression. MDA plans to apply this technology for energy storage for high altitude airships, which will be used as platforms for sensors and communications vital for missile defense and homeland security.
The Phase I contract, completed in April 2004, demonstrated key lightweight components for electrochemical cells. This contract is part of a MDA program to develop a lighter than air, high altitude airship (HAA) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) prototype.
The program goal is to show the engineering feasibility and potential military utility of an unmanned, un-tethered, gas filled, solar powered airship with the potential to fly at 70,000 ft. and self deploy from the continental United States to worldwide locations.
Proton Energy Systems, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Distributed Energy Systems Corp., has performed work on NASA SBIR Phase I and Phase II contracts as well as its ongoing contract with the Naval Research Laboratory funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
These contracts have facilitated the demonstration of regenerative fuel cell operation as well as the ability to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases at pressures exceeding 3,000 psi.
The efficient compression of these gases, a key feature in aerospace, high energy density applications, is made possible by Proton's solid-state electrolysis cell stack design, called HIPRESS.
According to Robert Friedland, Senior Vice President Advanced Technology Group, "We are delighted to continue working with MDA on this endeavor. We believe regenerative fuel cell systems will be critical for both commercial and military energy infrastructures in sea, land, air, and space applications. We continue to develop leading edge technology in this important area and look forward to the evolution of these applications in real world deployment."