The Multipurpose Electric Power System (MEPS) generates more than five kilowatts of power and is 25 percent more efficient than generators based on traditional internal combustion engine technology. It is targeted toward a variety of military applications initially, with potential for private sector use.

“Fuel cell technology is not new. Fuel cells have worked in laboratories for some time, but the challenge has been applying that technology in an effective, cost-efficient manner,” says Charles Lucius, Vice President, Battelle Fuel Cell Development.

“Our MEPS unit is one of the first devices to effectively use fuel cell technology and to showcase all the advantages of fuel cells. This is a power generator that runs quietly, generates very little heat, toxic emissions or odor, produces up to 20 liters of usable water per day, and will never run out of power as long as fuel is available. What’s really exciting is our ability to operate on conventional fuels, thanks to unique technology originating from our Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.”

Working fuel cell generators have been targeted for military applications for years. Internal combustion engines are too noisy for some combat operations, diesel fuel costs can be problematic, and battery power runs out too quickly. The MEPS unit solves those problems, and its design makes it suitable for use as an auxiliary power source on combat vehicles or as a stand-alone generator. The same technology offers benefits to a variety of commercial applications, including stand-alone generators for homes, recreational vehicles, and aviation.

The MEPS project is one piece of Battelle's large fuel cell initiative and was funded in part through $900,000 from the State of Ohio Department of Development.

“Battelle has been an influential leader and outstanding partner in the state of Ohio for many years,” said Ohio Development Director Tom Carton. “Their success in the fuel cell market is indicative of the advantage Ohio’s investment in the new technology has given us over other states.”

Battelle is the world's largest independent research and development organization, with 20,000 employees in more than 120 locations worldwide, including five national laboratories Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle conducts $3.7 billion in R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management, and technology commercialization. Battelle provides innovative solutions to some of the world's most important problems including global climate change, sustainable energy technologies, high performance materials, next generation healthcare diagnostics and therapeutics, and advanced security solutions for people, infrastructure, and the nation. Battelle has a long history of developing successful commercial products in collaboration with its clients, ranging from products to fight diabetes, cancer and heart disease to the development of the office copier machine (Xerox). As a non-profit charitable trust with an eye toward the future, Battelle actively supports and promotes science and math education.