UltraCell To Deliver XX25 Micro Methanol Fuel Cell Systems To U.S. Air Force Research Lab

Livermore, CA - UltraCell Corporation, a manufacturer of reformed methanol fuel cells for portable power, announced that it has received a contract award for delivery of its XX25™, a 25-watt reformed methanol fuel cell system, to the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, for use as an airman power device. The contract was awarded by GTS, with the fuel cell units scheduled for delivery in September 2006.

UltraCell's patented reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) system internally generates fuel-cell-ready hydrogen from a highly concentrated methanol solution, according to the company. The new portable power system thus has the power density of a hydrogen fuel cell but uses readily available, low cost methanol fuel in a convenient, compact cartridge. The portable, lightweight XX25 has up to a 75% weight advantage over currently available military rechargeable batteries, based on a 72-hour mission at 20 watts, claims UltraCell. The XX25 also reduces operational costs through the reduction of throwaway primary batteries and the logistic burden of recharging batteries, adds the company.

SOURCE: UltraCell Corporation