SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., 19 March 2007.Protonex Technology Corporation, a provider of advanced fuel cell power systems for sub-kilowatt portable, remote, and mobile applications, has been awarded a $3.5 million contract with the U.S. Army Research Office to develop a 250-watt portable fuel cell power source that is smaller, lighter, quieter, and more efficient than alternative battery or generator systems.
The system will include a methanol reformer and will initially target military applications, such as field battery charging and auxiliary power. This contract is the largest Protonex has received to date, and brings the total program value of the company's secured government development or joint development contracts to more than $11 million.
Under the terms of the contract, Protonex will evolve its current 250-watt fuel cell system and methanol reformer prototypes into an integrated, mission-specific, and ruggedized fuel cell power source for use by the U.S. Army, Special Operations Command and Marines.
The $3.5 million award will cover a 12-month program of continued development, low-volume production, and initial product delivery for customer field testing. Protonex will also use the funds to lay the groundwork for utilizing other fuels, including propane, military diesel, and biodiesel in future fuel cell power systems.
