Quantum Awarded $6.95M in Defense Funding for Hybrid and Hydrogen Programs
04 January 2006
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The first-generation Aggressor hybrid. |
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies announced that its Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) and Mobile Hydrogen Infrastructure (MHI) programs will receive a total of $6.95 million in funding in 2006 from the Department of Defense for production-intent hybrid vehicle and hydrogen programs.
The funding is for the development and demonstration of a second-generation Aggressor AMV parallel-hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell off-road vehicle (earlier post), and for further work with the recently completed HyHauler MHI, a transportable hydrogen refueling station designed for rapid refueling of military vehicles and silent watch power generators.
The original Aggressor coupled a 10-kW (13.5-hp) fuel cell with a 60-kW (80.5-hp) battery in a parallel hybrid configuration, powering a high-torque (2,280 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels.
Preliminary tests showed an acceleration from 0 to 60 kmh (37 mph) in less than 4 seconds, and a top speed of 120 kmh (75 mph). Quantum’s electronic control system imposes torque and speed limits on the drivetrain to enhance traction and safety.
Quantum will now develop a second-generation Aggressor II hybrid based on an internal combustion engine (ICE) rather than a fuel cell, and incorporating special undisclosed modifications, based on the results of and feedback from the U.S. Army’s testing and evaluation of the Aggressor.
The ICE-based hybrid-electric drive system is intended to provide a cost-effective, near-term solution and provide a common shared vehicle architecture with future fuel-cell applications of the vehicle. Quantum did not specify the fuel for the engine.
The company will build several pre-production prototypes to assess mission suitability, supportability, performance objectives, and guidance on final vehicle configuration.
The objective of the MHI program is to demonstrate the capability of a hydrogen refueling stations to meet emerging hydrogen fuel demand as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are deployed throughout the military as part of the 21st Century Base initiative.
This demonstration program is expected to include supporting the deployment of hydrogen ICE administrative vehicles as well as fuel-cell vehicles.
The HyHauler program is broader than the military application. Quantum is working on two main versions: the basic HyHauler with tanks and refueling technology, and the HyHauler Plus which creates hydrogen through electrolysis, then compresses and stores the hydrogen in a transportable package.
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