IdaTech (IDA) unveiled a scalable 100W to 500W portable fuel cell system prototype to be introduced to the U.S. market at the 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar. The liquid fuel system with on-board reformer, is part of a portfolio of multi-fuel solutions that IdaTech will showcase during the event. The system being shown at the four-day event is a prototype of a system that will be delivered to the U.S. Army for use as a field battery charger in order to help solve the traditional logistical problem of getting power to troops in the field. The entire fuel cell system, including reformer and hydrogen purification module is about the size of a large lunch box, measuring about 12-by-8-by-6 inches. Its fuel is a prepackaged methanol-water mixture, which provides a highly compact and long lasting source of power. The power output of the prototype being shown is about 150 watts, while the unit delivered to the Army will be 250 watts in approximately the same size package. [ more ]
