UltraCell Corporation, a producer of fuel cells for mobile power applications, reportedly announced that it will be building fuel cell systems for the Center for Unmanned Air Vehicles Exploitation in its Ohio manufacturing plant.

 

The company plans to build 10 units based on its XX25 reformed methanol fuel cell technology at first and then increase production in future.

 

The project is funded by the State of Ohio Third Frontier Project and is a collaborative effort between local Dayton-area businesses, academic institutions and the Air Force Research Laboratory (News - Alert) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. The CUE was developed to enhance integration between UAV controls, wireless communications, advanced sensor technology and portable power, said Ultracell.

 

UltraCell’s XX25 technology offers extended runtime and enables the designing of portable power stations for aerial vehicles. The technology features military’s Technology Readiness Level 7 status demonstrating operation in relevant environments. The XX25 has also completed several MIL-STD-810F Environmental Tests like altitude making it most suitable as a power source for applications like UAVs.

 

“We’re delighted to be able to participate in the Center for UAV Exploitation’s work in Dayton,” said UltraCell CEO Keith Scott. “We see tremendous opportunity for UAV applications both in the military and commercial markets and believe our fuel cell technology is a perfect power solution for these systems.”

 

UAV research and development undertaken by CUE will focus on control, communications, power and sensor solutions for vehicles weighing 150 pounds or less. The success exhibited in smaller vehicles in greater maneuverability, mobility and cost efficiency will be followed in larger UAV and manned aircrafts.

 

These UAV systems designed by the CUE will be commercialized in non-defense applications also. Further the market for UAVs is set to grow many folds.

 

BAE Systems (News - Alert), Co-operative Engineering Services, Inc., the Institute for the Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology, L3 Communications Nova Engineering, STAN Solutions, TecEdgeWorks, Defense Research Associates and the University of Dayton Research Institute are included as CUE participants, said the company.

 

Ultracell Manufactures fuel cell systems for mobile devices and it has an exclusive license with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories for micro fuel cell technology and it specializes in methanol-based fuel cells.