Highly Integrated, Highly Efficient Fuel Reformer/Fuel Cell System Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-033 Topic Title: Highly Integrated, Highly Efficient Fuel Reformer/Fuel Cell System Proposal No.: N101-033-0880 Firm: NexTech Materials, Ltd. 404 Enterprise Dr. Lewis Center, Ohio 43035 Contact: Paul Matter Phone: (614) 842-6606 Web Site: http://www.nextechmaterials.com Abstract: In this project NexTech Materials, Ltd. will design and demonstrate a 10-kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system that can operate on JP 5 diesel fuel. The system will be designed to meet critical Navy needs for unmanned aerial vehicle systems that can operate on heavy diesel fuel with better efficiency, higher system power density, and faster system start-up. The system will be designed around NexTech's proprietary planar SOFC design, which can tolerate high levels of sulfur compared to contemporary SOFC technologies. In Phase I, NexTech will design a conceptual system, including a 10-kW stack integrated with a JP-5 auto-thermal reformer. The conceptual system design will account for all components required in the system. Further, NexTech will demonstrate the projected performance of critical components in bench-scale testing. In Phase II, NexTech will build a prototype system based on the Phase I design, and demonstrate operation of the system on JP-5 fuel. The system will target a start-up time of 8 minutes, be capable of multiple start-/stop cycles, operate at an efficiency greater than 35% electrical efficiency, and target a power density greater than 60 W/kg. Benefits: The SOFC technology to be developed on this project is specifically geared toward meeting the demanding requirements of UAV applications. The technology will enable UAVs to operate more quietly, for longer mission durations, using readily available fuels. Other military applications that will benefit from the development of this fuel cell technology include battery chargers, field and transportable auxiliary power units, tent city heat and power systems, runway lighting, silent-watch vehicles, and a number of unmanned vehicles for ground, sea and air. Successful adoption by military markets could lead to adoption by larger commercial markets, including auxiliary power units for trucks, residential combined heat and power systems, and distributed power production. Return