Feb 12 2008
NanoDynamics, Inc. announced today its delivery of a 50-watt solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), powered by desulfurized synthetic JP-8 fuel, to the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center’s (CERDEC) U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. The unit is part of an ongoing, multi-phase program started in April of 2005 to develop advanced SOFC technology compatible with a variety of common hydrocarbon fuels for the Army’s mid-range power requirements.
“Our work to date has included the development of a unique cell-and-stack architecture, water-neutral partial oxidation JP-8 reformer, and microprocessor-controlled system design,” said Dr. Caine Finnerty, V.P. of fuel cells for NanoDynamics. “The current unit also operates entirely on liquid fuel, and does not require an additional inert gas such as nitrogen for start up or shutdown.”
The approximately $2.0 million program will continue this year with work toward a 250-watt portable technology demonstrator, also fueled by desulfurized JP-8.
“The next unit will incorporate advanced third-generation cells, resulting in a five-fold power increase with only an approximate 30-percent increase in unit size,” Finnerty said. The 250-watt demonstrator unit is slated for delivery by the end of 2008.