Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron:

970288

Proposal Number:

19.02-0003

Project Title:

Higher Energetic PEM Fuel Cells

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I

Project develops a compact proton exchange

membrane fuel cell. The design approach for this

fuel cell project is specific to the development of a

100 watt, 12 volt stack operating with ambient

pressure oxygen or air and hydrogen gases. The

modular arrangement of membrane and electrode

assemblies gives a wide variety of fuel cell designs

for low power and low voltage applications for

extravehicular activity. The improved packaging

design allows power densities much greater than 1

kW/liter to be obtained. Coupled with the

innovative design, the electrochemical reactions for

both anode and cathode are optimized to take

advantage of the design approach. The major

benefit of the proposed approach is a higher power

density fuel cell that is operational independent of

the orientation, a feature that allows wider

applicability and usage of the fuel cell for terrestrial

and extraterrestrial applications.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

Successful development of this fuel cell concept will

find widespread use in low power (e.g., 100 Watts)

applications including electronics, portable tools,

and remote power generation.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Michael C. Kimble

Physical Sciences Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA 01810

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

George E. Caledonia

Physical Sciences, Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA 01810