Fuel cell power system development for submersibles

DARPA is sponsoring programs at International Fuel Cells (IFC) to develop proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power systems for marine application. One program is focused on a fuel cell power system for use in an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). Another program, part of DARPA´s advanced submarine technology (Subtech) efforts, is developing and demonstrating the technology to generate hydrogen from methanol and to supply hydrogen from a regenerable metal hydride bed for use with a PEM fuel cell. The authors report the progress and hardware demonstrations made under the UUV program, the Subtech program, and R&D activities toward practical submersible fuel cell power systems. This technology is ideally suited for use in the closed environment of a submersible. A concept was demonstrated for the generation of hydrogen from the chemical reaction of a metal hydride and water to form a metal hydroxide