![]() |
| Types of Fuel Cells | The Basics | Fuel Cell News | Basics on Hydrogen | Search | |
|
|
This
portable power system, (referred to as P1), is the first deliverable under
a previously announced U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Dual Use Science
and Technology (DUST) contract awarded to Protonex. The system integrates
Millennium Cell's hydrogen energy system into Protonex's PEM fuel cell
platform to provide a fuel cell power source for soldiers on extended field
missions.
"The delivery of P1 midway through the DUST program represents a significant milestone in the development of soldier power systems," said Thom Reitz, Research Leader, Fuel Cells for the Air Force Research Lab. "The Air Force is very interested in evaluating this system as a means for significantly reducing the overall power system weight burden carried by the war fighter. We are looking forward to testing P1 and providing feedback to advance the technology to the next readiness level for the final deliverable due later in 2005."
The P1 unit represents a substantial improvement in energy density and cost over the batteries currently used by the U.S. Military. Today, to fulfill the requirement for 30 Watts of continuous power for a 72-hour mission, soldiers carry 13 primary batteries weighing over 29 pounds. The P1 system is capable of meeting these power requirements at less than 50% of the weight (including fuel cell platform and snap-in fuel cartridges).
"Protonex and Millennium Cell are
delighted to deliver a superior power solution to the U.S. Air Force that
provides both performance and cost advantages over incumbent battery technology,"
said Scott Pearson, CEO, Protonex. "The P1 units clearly demonstrate the
value and utility of our fuel cell systems for portable military applications
and keep us on the path for potential deployment."
"This is an important milestone for both companies," commented Adam Briggs, Senior Vice President, Millennium Cell. "Later in 2005, we expect to deliver a next generation system to the Air Force that will further reduce the weight of the power system with its cartridges to less than 10 pounds. The benefits of this power solution will also be attractive in many other military and commercial markets that need reliable, long lasting sources of energy."
About Protonex Technology Corporation
www.protonex.com
Established in 2000, Protonex manufactures
long duration, portable and remote power sources. Protonex provides complete
power solutions to OEM customers for portable and remote off-grid applications
underserved by existing battery, generator, solar and other power technologies.
The company's innovative fuel cell products complement existing power technologies
and are utilized in hybrid designs for customer applications in the 10
to 500 Watt power range.
For more information about Protonex,
please contact:
Greg Cipriano
Protonex Technology Corporation
153 Northboro Road, Southborough,
MA 01772- 1034
(508) 490-9960 ext. 201
About Millennium Cell
www.millenniumcell.com
Millennium Cell Inc. is engaged
in the development of next generation hydrogen energy systems for use primarily
in portable electronic devices for the consumer, medical, military and
industrial markets. These energy systems offer runtime, weight, safety
and cost advantages in an attractive form factor versus existing solutions.
Millennium Cell is developing this technology in partnership with corporate
and government entities.
For more information about Millennium
Cell, please contact:
John Battaglini
Millennium Cell
One Industrial Way, Eatontown, NJ
07724
(732) 544-5715
Millennium Cell Investors:
Betsy Brod/Jonathan Schaffer
Brod & Schaffer, LLC
(212) 750-5800
Millennium Cell Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-looking Statements:
This press release may include statements
that are not historical facts and are considered "forward- looking" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements reflect Millennium Cell's current views about
future events and financial performance and are subject to risks. Investors
should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject
to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are
outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially
from Millennium Cell's expectations, and Millennium Cell expressly does
not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements. These factors
include, but are not limited to, the cost and timing of development of
Millennium Cell's hydrogen fuel storage and delivery system; the cost and
commercial availability of the quantities of raw materials required by
the hydrogen fuel storage and delivery systems; and other factors discussed
under the caption "Investment Considerations" in Millennium Cell's Annual
Report on Form 10 K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
~
|
|