SFC Awarded US Army Operational Test Command Order for development of a 250W Fuel Cell
SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG announced that it has been selected to provide an advanced power solution to a military program. In the context of an US Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) order, SFC is to develop a 250W Alternate Power Source Fuel Cell (APSFC) for use of the Army’s Operational Test Command (OTC).
The Army OTC conducts objective testing of potential Army systems. To achieve this task, the OTC provides test scenarios which must occur in a realistic environment over many days. This creates a challenge for the test data acquisition and test command and control systems. These systems must operate seamlessly and avoid being a source of bias. Stopping the test play to replace the data acquisition system’s batteries is not an option. SFC’s APSFC is meant to be a robust, reliable, compact, and lightweight power source for these data acquisition systems, producing quality dc power with very low detection signature. The APSFC will be adapted to a variety of vehicle platforms and will be able to operate over 80 test hours without test range personnel maintenance or access.
The 250W APSFC is based on SFC’s fully commercialized EFOY technology. It is a highly ruggedized stand alone 250W lightweight power supply made to perform even in harsh Army Test environments. The APSFC is designed to be easily carried by one person. It will export sufficient power to operate the OTC data acquisition suite used to collect data during operational tests of advanced Army systems.
"We are excited to have been selected for this important development order by OTC against all competition. We feel SFC will provide a product which meets the requirements and schedule of OTC and best value for the US Army. This clearly confirms our strong technology position in the defense market", stated Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC. "This product will be an suitable extension of our successful EFOY fuel cell portfolio towards higher outputs. And it will open up additional applications, for example field and emergency chargers, but also new reliable 24/7power solutions for industrial off-grid systems and devices."
