VPS SOFC tested in Navy stealth craftFuel cell tested in stealth Navy craft
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) could be used in a propulsion system for a stealth surveillance vehicle being developed by the US Navy.
The SOFC, developed by Versa Power Systems, can generate clean electricity in compact form for both mobile and stationary applications and has been successfully integrated into an experimental test for the US Navy.
Tested under conditions that simulate the expected demands on Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV), the fuel cells had to operate autonomously and undetected while conducting surveillance over a long period.
Fuel cells can be quickly refuelled and are silent making them attractive to the Navy but they also produce a consistent stream of energy for as long as they are running.
The tests are being run by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport and Dr Alan Burke, a chemical and co-leader of the project, feels the cells have a lot of potential.
"Even with the need to store on-board fuel and an oxygen source, the fuel cell system has the potential to store considerable energy compared to other propulsion systems," he said.
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