Protonex Technology Corporation has announced that is has signed a teaming agreement with Northrop Grumman Laser Systems to develop a portable power fuel cell system for the U.S. Air Force.
The companies recently demonstrated a prototype of the system for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Protonex' agreement with Laser Systems is expected to help speed wide-scale deployment of portable power fuel cell solutions in the marketplace. Northrop Grumman is a global defense company that provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions to U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers. The Air Force demonstration allowed both companies to showcase their individual and collaborative capabilities.
The demonstrated system represents the further development of the P1 system delivered by Protonex to the AFRL in March. Both systems are based on a 30-watt portable fuel cell power system fueled by chemical hydride. This latest system offers greater power density, increased functionality and improved ease-of-use. The highly efficient fuel cell-based system includes advanced battery technology and an intelligent power manager.
"The successful prototype demonstration was a key milestone in our development work with Protonex," stated William Walters, Business Development Manager, Northrop Grumman Laser Systems. "We are eager to continue our work together to develop a production-ready portable power system for field deployment."
