Application Spotlight: Fuel cell keeps power flowing

Product description: Today’s soldiers stay in touch via sensors, laptops, and satellite phones. But where do they get the power for all of this equipment? Portable fuel cells that stand up to field abuse have become the preferred alternative to heavy battery packs with short life spans. Ultracell recently introduced its XX25 methanol micro-fuel cell for just these types of applications.

Molded parts: Rugged, portable fuel cells are housed in a nonreinforced, flame-retardant polymer housing.

OEM/Designer: Ultracell Corp. (Livermore, CA)

Material: PC/ABS (Bayblend KU2-1514—Bayer MaterialScience)

Material advantages: The resin was chosen for its high heat resistance and outstanding processing behavior, as well as its combination of dimensional stability, stiffness, and impact resistance over a broad range of temperatures. It also resists chemicals such as mineral acids and a large number of organic acids, as well as aqueous saline solutions.

“We chose Bayblend KU2-1514 PC/ABS blend resin for the protective housing of the XX25 because of its combined thermal properties, durability, resistance to cracking, and high impact strength. It had to pass an array of Mil-spec testing including drop and environmental tests, as well as being blasted with sand and dust to simulate desert conditions,” says Kenneth Newell, VP of engineering, UltraCell. “This resin has demonstrated very repeatable quality in the injected parts, and the color has been consistent. Our military customers are very impressed with the ruggedness achieved with our chassis material.”

Product details: UltraCell’s XX25 fuel cell system is currently undergoing military field trials, which were scheduled to conclude late this year, according to Newell. In addition, UltraCell just completed the commercial launch of its XX25A system for powering first responders, ruggedized laptops, and remote radio and satellite communications.

More info: www.ultracellpower.com | www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com