Publication date: 10-November-2003 
Source:FuelCellWorks

The Segway is powered by a Manhattan Scientifics Fuel Cell.

Photos Courtesy of FCTec &Manhattan Scientifics

The Manhattan Scientifics Fuel Cell was delivered to Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) for integration into a Segway Demonstration Vehicle. The new hydrogen-fueled, 700 watt PEM system is based on the design and concept of the previously announced "NovArs" fuel cell system developed by its partner company in Germany. The fuel cell uses advanced composite materials and unique technologies to minimize size and weight making it ideal for portable applications such as Segway.

The Fuel Cell Segway is powered by a 40-cell 700-watt, Manhattan Scientifics,  proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell which is fueled by using compressed hydrogen.

According to the FCTec the combination of the fuel cell and the hydrogen fuel has approximately doubled the Segway's range by recharging the batteries and providing power to the traction motors. The normal Segway e-series model attains 8-12 miles (13-19 km) on a single charge.

The Manhattan Scientifics fuel cell system as well as peripheral  equipment is enclosed/located(see bottom graphic) in the right baggage compartment. Located behind the front cargo bag is a two-liter hydrogen bottle.The total weight of the hydrogen bottle and the fuel cell is approximately 32lbs.

The vehicle is to be used to demonstrate fuel cell technology in a useful application throughout DoD. It was shown last week in Florida at the Miami Fuel Cell Conference. CTC, the DoD contractor that operates the FCTec, was responsible for integration of the fuel cell into the Segway system and is also demonstrating the system in Florida

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FCTec is a National Resource facility for the independent, unbiased testing and validation of fuel cell systems for both military and commercial applications. It is operated by Concurrent Technologies Corporation using its Environmental Technology Facility, located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

 The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) is a National Resource facility for the independent, unbiased testing and validation of fuel cell systems for both military and commercial applications. Located at Concurrent Technologies Corporation’s (CTC’s) Environmental Technology Facility, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the FCTec was established through a collaborative effort between CTC and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC/CERL). ERDC/CERL is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ R&D organization.

"The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing platform, which uses five electronic sensors in its base that recognize changes in movement," said John W. Grassia, deputy program officer for Mortar Weapons/Future. "If the rider leans forward or backward, the system will effortlessly move with them."

"Prospective benefits of the Segway deal with logistic issues that would speed up the physical movement of soldiers and increase their carrying capacity for handling equipment. Another benefit occurs in situations that require patrol, surveillance or routine movement of personnel in and between buildings."

"(Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center) Technical Director Michael Devine and (Fire Support Armament Center) Commander Peter Janker encouraged the purchase of three of these systems for (the center's) evaluation to impart a spark of inventiveness back into the workforce with new inventions…so we can continue to lead with state-of-the-art technology," explained Grassia.

Tabitha Sawicz, an engineering intern from the Mortars Team, tries out the Segway. 
Photo courtesy of the Program Manager for Mortars

"(The center) will be looking at possible application of the vehicle/driver interface, as well as the method of platform stabilization," he said. "(The Explosive Ordnance Division) also will be identifying any potential field applications where the Segway could function to carry inspection equipment into operations. (The program manager for Mortars) also is evaluating them for potential military application, specifically mortar application."