At the completion of all the phases of SBIR topic N101-033, Highly Integrated Highly Efficient Fuel Reformer/Fuel Cell System, Adaptive Materials will provide a highly integrated, highly efficient Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system that will be fueled by JP-5 without external reforming suited for naval aviation applications, specifically prime propulsion power for smaller unmanned aerial systems. Adaptive Materials, Inc. (AMI) systems have served as ground power units and have also been integrated in hand-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). In Phase I of this SBIR program Adaptive Materials will develop a validated technical approach and implementation plan. Production and demonstration of a JP-5 SOFC system will be performed during Phase II. In Phase III, Adaptive Materials will optimize the JP-5 SOFC system for specific naval applications such as auxiliary power unit (APU), battery replacement/supplement, and small primary propulsion systems.
Benefit: Solid oxide fuel cells in unmanned aviation applications provides significant benefits to the Navy, specifically in small prime propulsion roles, and as auxilary power units. Utilizing the energy dense nature of JP-5 a solid oxide fuel cell will be able to provide significant increases in on-board power that is clean and does not generate vibration or noise. The reduction in vibration and noise allow for better image quality and lower altitudes of operation without detection.
Keywords: Fuel Cell, Fuel Cell, JP-5 jet fuel, fuel reformer, solid oxide
