House Approves Funding For Army Research At TTU

August 6, 2007, COOKEVILLE – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $2 million in federal funding for researchers at Tennessee Technological University to develop portable power sources for the U.S. Army, according to U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.

“Our soldiers are well-trained and well-equipped, but they are often weighed down by a load of heavy and cumbersome batteries needed for their equipment,” said Gordon. “TTU researchers are using their expertise to lighten our soldiers’ loads and supply them with compact, long-lasting portable power sources.”

The funding was approved as part of an annual appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Defense. The Senate must now approve the funding.

With the funding, researchers at TTU’s Advanced Portable Power Institute would continue their work to supply the military with working models of the next generation of small-scale power devices.

The university is already working with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center Fuel Cell Team to develop power devices ranging from 10 to 10,000 watts. The military group is at the forefront of developing portable power sources for the Army.

“This appropriation could have a far-reaching impact,” said TTU President Bob Bell. “Not only would these new power sources increase soldiers' comfort and mobility, they would better protect their lives. I appreciate Congressman Gordon’s recognition of the importance of this project and his impressive efforts to help garner support for that part of the bill.”

TTU’s researchers are collaborating with Vanderbilt University, the University of Missouri and the International Technology Center in Virginia on the research.