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Battelle Debuts Multi-Purpose Fuel Cell Generator
Battelle has developed and is marketing a multi-purpose fuel cell power generator
demonstrating a major advance in applied fuel cell technology.
The Multipurpose Electric Power Systems (MEPS) generates more than five kilowatts
of power and is 25 percent more efficient than generators based on traditional
internal combustion engine technology. It is targeted toward a variety of military
applications initially, with potential for private sector use.
“
Fuel cell technology is not new. Fuel cells have worked in laboratories for some
time, but the challenge has been applying that technology in an effective, cost-efficient
manner,” says Charles Lucius, Vice President, Battelle Fuel Cell Development.
“
Our MEPS unit is one of the first devices to effectively use fuel cell technology
and to showcase all the advantages of fuel cells. This is a power generator that
runs quietly, generates very little heat, toxic emissions or odor, produces up
to 20 liters of usable water per day, and will never run out of power as long
as fuel is available. What’s really exciting is our ability to operate
on conventional fuels, thanks to unique technology originating from our Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory.”
Working fuel cell generators have been targeted for military applications
for years. Internal combustion engines are too noisy for some combat operations,
diesel fuel costs can be problematic, and battery power runs out too quickly.
The MEPS unit solves those problems, and its design makes it suitable for use
as an auxiliary power source on combat vehicles or as a stand-alone generator.
The same technology offers benefits to a variety of commercial applications,
including stand-alone generators for homes, recreational vehicles, and aviation.
The MEPS project is one piece of Battelle’s large fuel cell initiative
and was funded in part through $900,000 from the State of Ohio Department of
Development.
“
Battelle has been an influential leader and outstanding partner in the state
of Ohio for many years,” said Ohio Development Director Tom Carton. “Their
success in the fuel cell market is indicative of the advantage Ohio’s
investment in the new technology has given us over other states.”
For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
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