UltraCell to Build Fuel Cell Systems for U.S. Army AIDE Program
UltraCell’s XX55 and XX25 fuel cell systems, shown here, are both based on the company’s industry-leading Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (RMFC) technology.
LIVERMORE, CA– – UltraCell Corporation, a leading producer of fuel cells for mobile power applications, today announced it will build fuel cell systems for the U.S. Army Agile Integration Demo and Experimentation (AIDE), as part of the Army’s Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM).
RDECOM, established in October 2003 to meet the technological challenges of current and future military operational environments, includes the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Army Research Office (ARO), Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) and seven Research, Development and Engineering Centers. As part of RDECOM, AIDE functions as a collaboration center to accelerate the delivery of technological solutions for warfighter requirements.
UltraCell will initially build 30 fuel cell systems based on the company’s XX25™ reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) technology. The systems will provide higher energy density, a greater operating life, increased performance at higher altitudes and a greater threshold for maximum ambient temperature than previous portable power solutions — all while offering a lighter and more mobile design. Field testing of the units by U.S. soldiers will last for approximately three months, with the contract extending through March 2010.
“The AIDE program is committed to the development of advanced power technologies for extended runtime missions and intends to see the technology through to deployment in the Military,” said JJ Kowal, CERDEC Fuel Cell Technology Team. “This contract allows for increased testing in field environments and the advancement of existing prototype portable power solutions.”
“UltraCell remains committed to further advancing our fuel cell technology to better equip soldiers in the field with reliable, long-lasting portable power,” said Keith Scott, CEO of UltraCell. “We look forward to continuing to supply XX25 units to promising military programs like AIDE.”
About UltraCell
UltraCell is a leading producer of fuel cell systems for mobile devices. With an exclusive license with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories for micro fuel cell technology, the company has developed new technologies and intellectual property in the field of methanol-based fuel cells. Its patented, award-winning portable fuel cell, the XX25™, achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 status, a significant U.S. Army milestone and certification for military use and commercial production. For more information about UltraCell, please visit http://www.ultracellpower.com/.
