Hydrogenics Corp. (Toronto, Canada) announced that it has delivered a regenerative fuel cell auxiliary power unit developed under contract by the US Army for deployment and testing on army vehicle platforms. The initiative with the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM, Warren, MI) was initiated in response to the military's desire to explore alternative power sources to meet the increasing demands for electrical power to support digital equipment and extended silent watch requirements.
As an alternative to the battery systems and diesel generators currently being used by the military, power generated from hydrogen fuel cells offers longer and quieter operation, zero emissions, faster recharge, improved cycle-life, reduced deterioration, and better performance in cold weather. Hydrogenics and TACOM will undertake a joint evaluation of the system on different vehicle platforms to assess performance, full-cycle characteristics, costs and feasibilities.
