Army to evaluate IdaTech fuel cells

IdaTech fuel cells may someday play a key role in the U.S. military´s
ability to communicate quietly on the battlefield.

The subsidiary of IdaCorp Inc. is supplying two fuel cells for evaluation by the U.S. Army´s
Communications—Electronics Command or CECOM.

Ken Dey
The Idaho Statesman

The fuel cells will be mounted on Humvees as auxiliary power units to operate the vehicle´s
communications and electronic equipment.

Currently, Army radios and other electronic equipment draw power through a Humvee´s
diesel-charged battery or through portable generators.

Both can be noisy enough to create risks for troops operating in front-line combat situations.

Fuel cells use an electrochemical process to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and
heat.

Jim Stephens, team leader for CECOM´s fuel cell research program, said the 2-kilowatt fuel
cells will be evaluated under “silent watch” conditions, in which quiet operations are essential,
but a power source still is required.

The IdaTech fuel cells are being evaluated in the U.S. Army´s demonstration program, which
allows CECOM to demonstrate their capabilities to key members of the Army´s leadership.

So far, they have performed flawlessly in laboratory tests, Stephens said.

“It has been a very valuable demonstration platform, showing the value of quiet operation,”
Stephens said.

In January, the U.S. Army plans to mount the fuel cells on Humvees and begin field trials at
Fort Dix, N.J.

Being accepted into the demonstration program is a long way from receiving a long-term
military contract, but IdaTech leaders say it´s an important first step.

“Our evolving relationship with CECOM will allow IdaTech to accelerate product development
on fuel cell systems for other portable and stationary field trials in the near future,” said
Claude Duss, IdaTech President and CEO.

IdaTech, based in Bend, Ore., has been involved with fuel cell research and development
since 1996.

To offer story ideas or comments, contact Ken Dey
[email protected] or 377-6428

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Business/story.asp?ID=23901