Hydrogenics Corp. (Toronto, Canada), a designer and manufacturer of fuel cell technology, announced that it has signed a contract to manufacture a self-contained regenerative fuel cell power system that will be used to provide auxiliary power for a US Army Stryker Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV). This is a collaborative government project whereby Radian Inc. has entered into a contract with the US Army, and Hydrogenics has signed a defence industrial research contract with Defence R&D Canada, an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defence.
The regenerative power system, an integrated configuration of Hydrogenics' proprietary proton-exchange membrane fuel cell and electrolyser technologies, is designed specifically to extend the silent watch capabilities of the Stryker LAV. Radian is responsible for the on-board integration of the auxiliary power system and its testing and validation. As part of the 12-month project, the LAV will be tested and demonstrated for the US Army.
The electrolyzer component of the on-board regenerative system produces hydrogen, which is then stored and subsequently used, on-demand, by the fuel cell component. Fuel cells generate electricity quietly with a low temperature signature, zero emissions and improved efficiency as compared to the conventional light armoured vehicle main internal combustion engine. In addition, the unit is more efficient in cold weather than batteries and eliminates any issues related to toxicity and recycling. The same regenerative auxiliary power technology is applicable for other non-military purposes such as the reduction of idling emissions in commercial transport vehicles.
