Proton Energy Systems Lands $1.8M Contract for Hydrogen Base Fleet Fueling

18 November 2008

The US Army’s Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has awarded a $1.8 million contract to Proton Energy Systems to develop an advanced hydrogen fueling system capable of sustaining a military fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Proton Energy develops and manufactures Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, a key component of the FuelGen hydrogen generators, which are designed for commercial as well as military base fleet fueling. The hydrogen generators are compatible with the power characteristics of international grid systems, and can integrate with renewable electricity sources or hybrid power sources.

In October, the USArmy’s Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) awarded a $2.62 million contract to Proton Energy to develop a Regenerative Fuel Cell System for Silent Camp Operation. Currently, noisy and inefficient diesel generators, requiring frequent maintenance, power most military base camp operations. ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is investigating the concept of a Silent Camp, where traditional power production is integrated with quiet fuel cell technology. Proton Energy Systems’ regenerative fuel cell technology may enable the military to operate its generators at higher efficiency points, and provide critical energy storage to capture the excess capacity. On the tactical side, the system could reduce logistics and the potential loss of life associated with high risk fuel transport operations. It could also provide backup power for extended operations if generators fail.