Livermore (CA) – UltraCell, a Livermore, California-based company, recently introduced a 25-watt mobile fuel cell system designed specifically for supply power to a ruggedized laptop computer for military personnel. The XX25 cell provides power for up to 14 hours at a time using only one 250 cc cartridge.

The XX25 generates fuel cell-ready hydrogen internally from a highly concentrated methanol solution. This allows individuals to power their field computers and other communication equipment at a weight reduction of about 65% compared to regular lithium-ion batteries.

Fuel cells use both oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity with water vapor as a by-product. Additionally, they continuously produce electricity until the fuel source diminishes.  Not only is this environmentally conscious but it also weighs less. Because the conversion of the fuel to energy occurs through an electrochemical process instead of through combustion methanol fuel cells are not only cleaner, but also quieter than generators that are powered by gasoline.

UltraCell calculates that during the standard 72-hour military mission every soldier needs about 27 pounds of rechargeable military batteries.

The Army’s Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Center have allowed UltraCell’s development contract to be extended so that further testing on the cell can be performed. A year ago they decided that the 25-watt model was safe enough to be worn and used by military personnel actively in the field so that they could power their portable devices. This is a milestone, and a first among the Methanol Fuel Cell type.

Back in 2006 at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, we saw the UltraCell up close back when it was in prototype stages.  You can read that article here.

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