Adaptive Materials Introduces 250-watt Fuel Cell System to Portable Power Market
ANN ARBOR, MICH. –Adaptive Materials, the solid oxide fuel cell manufacturer leading the portable power revolution, recently introduced its 250-watt fuel cell to the market. The system, which joins the 50-watt portable system and 180-watt unmanned vehicle power system in Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell portfolio, will provide lightweight power ideal for recharging batteries and powering portable electronic devices.
“Our 250-watt system was developed to address the real need for soldiers to carry reliable, safe power into the field,” said Adaptive Materials’ chief business officer Michelle Crumm. “Weighing just nine kilograms and occupying 17 liters, our 250-watt fuel cell system can directly power a six bay military issue battery charger for BB-2590s, Li-145s and other lower capacity battery types. Plus, like all of our fuel cell systems, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell is powered by globally-available, lightweight propane.”
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell was developed as part of an internal project funded under IRAD. Adaptive Materials will deliver three 250-watt fuel cell systems to the U.S. Government in late 2009 for field testing.
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell system is designed to be a portable unit for applications requiring more power and longer run time than batteries can provide, including electronics, radios, computers, and battery charging. Designed to fit in the market space between batteries and engine powered generators, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt unit weighs 20 pounds, significantly less than the smallest military generator, a 3 kilowatt unit weighing 364 pounds. In comparison, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt system replaces 13 standard military BA-5590 battery units that weigh 13 kilograms each.
Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt fuel cell system has demonstrated a 1500-hour life expectancy.
In addition to its value to soldiers in the field, Adaptive Materials’ 250-watt system is useful to a wide range of potential consumer applications. “Especially for people who enjoy going off-grid for camping, boating, hiking or other recreational activities, the 250-watt fuel cell is an ideal source of portable power,” Crumm added. “Lightweight and powered by the same propane as a camp stove or refrigerator makes Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell the logical choice for consumer power.”
