Ann Arbor Plant Ships Fuel Cells To Army For Field Testing

The Ann Arbor-based Adaptive Materials business unit of the United Kingdom's Ultra Electronics said Thursday that it had shipped 15 of its 300-watt solid oxide fuel cells to the United States Army for field testing.

The fuel cell's development and delivery are part of a contract AMI has with the Qrmy's Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center valued at $4.68 million.

Several of the fuel cells in this delivery are ultimately headed to Afghanistan for use by soldiers in the field.

"AMI's 300-watt fuel cells are ideal for providing direct power to communications and other devices," said AMI president Aaron Crumm. "The fuel cell provides unique advantages: It delivers reliable portable power for operations in the most remote austere environments and it's fueled by propane, a fuel source that reduces the logistical challenge of supplying forward deployed units in the most disadvantaged locations."

The 300-watt fuel cell is ideal for applications requiring more power or longer durations than batteries can support. Compared to a generator or the number of batteries that would be required for a multi-day mission, the fuel cell -- which weighs just 32 pounds -- is lightweight and portable.

AMI has tested the fuel cells in-house and proven the units to be durable and reliable. The fuel cells were tested for altitude, vibration, shock, cold, heat, rain, dust and drops.  They are proven to perform in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Ultra Electronics Adaptive Materials Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell system. The company offers 50 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices.

For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

Ultra Electronics is an internationally successful defense and aerospace company with more than 100 distinct market or technology niches within its 24 businesses.