Fuel Cells as Tactical Auxiliary Power in Military Vehicles

Abstract

An integration of a PEM fuel cell for on-board auxiliary power of a military vehicle was demonstrated. If fuel (hydrogen) storage methods are properly implemented, a fuel cell is potentially the lightest and most energy efficient electrical power source in this application as part of a hybrid power system. The need for mobile auxiliary power units (APUs) is widespread in the military where communications and reconnaissance systems are operational while the vehicle engine is not running. Current drawbacks with present battery systems are that they do not run as long as desired. Diesel generators give off undesirable, detectable emissions such as noise, heat, vibrations and particulate matter, making its operation around personnel problematic. A full scale integration of fuel cells into a military vehicle is challenging given the availability of space, but the design goal performances were achieved in this demonstration.