Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) — Sub-watt Power Using an Integrated Fuel Processor and Fuel Cell.

Under this program for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, we are teamed with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to develop and demonstrate an integrated fuel cell and fuel processor for microscale (10- to 500-mWe ) power generation. The system includes a microscale fuel processor, which produces hydrogen from liquid fuels such as methanol, butane, JP-8, or diesel, and a microscale fuel cell which will use the hydrogen as fuel to produce electric power. This alternative power source has many potential advantages over batteries for operating wireless electronic devices (e.g., microsensors and microelectromechanical systems), especially in terms of energy and power densities. The technology being developed here broadens the possibilities for using self-sustaining devices in remote or difficult-to-access locations.