Protonex to Unveil P2 Soldier Power System Prototype

Protonex Technology Corp. (Southborough, MA), a developer of fuel cell power solutions for portable and remote applications, will demonstrate its next-generation, 30 W soldier power system prototype, the P2, which is designed to provide continuous power for portable electronic devices, and combines fuel cell technology with a chemical hydride fueling subsystem based on technology licensed from Millennium Cell Inc.

The system's rugged design and high energy density make it suited to meet the demands of military applications. Development of the system is funded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, under a Dual Use Science and Technology Program, and the US Army Research Office. The Protonex system is expected to replace batteries for soldier power, decreasing the size and weight of the power source troops carry in the field and reducing operating costs for the military.

Th new next-generation system offers ruggedness and reliability, ease-of-use, and performance metrics, including a wide operating temperature range of -20 °C to +50 °C. The system also provides extended run times by allowing 24-hour fuel cartridges to be hot-swapped in the field to provide uninterrupted power for extended periods of time.