U.S. Army Operational Test Command
The U.S. Army Operational Test
Command (OTC) has partnered with the German Federal
Defense Force (Bundeswehr) in an international
cooperative program to share data on the testing of
a 250-watt alternate power source fuel cell (FC-250)
that could save the Army approximately $400,000 in
costs.
The FC-250, produced by Smart Fuel Cell, has been
ruggedized for Army use to support OTC tests by
providing a robust, reliable, compact and
lightweight power source for data-acquisition
systems.
"The program strives to assist the Army by providing
continuous and efficient power supply to testing
systems," said OTC senior technologist and program
manager, Henry Merhoff. "Our international
partnership will allow OTC to receive double the
test data needed to focus on the application of test
instrumentation."
While batteries need to be replaced at least daily
in an industrial application, the FC-250 provides up
to 100-hours with one 7.4 gallon (28 litres)
cartridge, which can be easily replaced by test
support personnel.
The German Special Forces are concerned with the
weight of the battery currently used, according to
Peter Helbig, program manager for fuel cell
development for the Bundeswehr Technical Center.
"The German Special Forces would like to use the
250-watt fuel cell started by OTC to gain a wider
range of information for applications using battery
chargers and auxiliary power units," said Helbig.
"We also have a 25-watt fuel cell being tested for
use by dismounted soldiers."
The FC-250 system is a stand-alone, lightweight
power supply made to perform in highly demanding
Army test environments. The system is designed to be
easily carried by two people, while providing
sufficient power to operate the OTC data acquisition
suite used to collect data during operational tests
of advanced Army systems.
"Life cycle costs of fuel cells are one-half those
of batteries for long duration scenarios," said
Merhoff. "OTC will save approximately $400,000 per
year using 60 fuel cells."
OTC recently purchased 18 65-watt fuel cells for use
at Fort Bliss to provide battery power 24
hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, to video cameras for
testing and training of the Future Combat System
brigade team, according to Merhoff.