TVN Systems in Lawrence, Kan., has developed a plastic fuel cell that could potentially be developed into a portable power source for military electronics, such as handheld field radios. The fuel cell is the result of materials engineering research conducted by TVN. Findings from that research have enabled the use of an air-breathing configuration in which plastic has replaced metal in most of the structural components.

The result is a low-cost fuel cell with no active mechanical components, such as fans or valves. Furthermore, the fuel cell can be configured in a back-to-back, multitier slab in which the two opposing faces act as air-breathing surfaces.

The hydrogen fuel delivery system for the fuel cell is still under development. This system will produce hydrogen on demand, reducing the fuel supply pressure. The reduction in pressure is a significant factor in the design that permits the use of lower-cost plastic structural components in the fuel cell. The reduced pressure and presence of hydrogen made possible by the delivery system will also improve overall system safety.

Recent prototypes of plastic fuel cells have yielded the following performance: power density of 114 W/kg (nominal) and 154 W/kg (peak); and volumetric power density of 212 W/L (nominal) and 286 W/L (peak).

For more information, visit www.tvnsystems.com.