Fuel-cell powered unmanned ground vehicle

Jay S. Meldrum; Christopher A. Green; Geoffrey D. Gwaltney; Scott A. Bradley; Jason M. Keith; Thomas F. Podlesak

doi:10.1117/12.720791

2 May 2007 Fuel-cell powered unmanned ground vehicle

Jay S. Meldrum, Christopher A. Green, Geoffrey D. Gwaltney, Scott A. Bradley, Jason M. Keith, Thomas F. Podlesak

Proceedings Volume 6561, Unmanned Systems Technology IX; 656117 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.720791
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The use of alternative energy technology for vehicle propulsion and auxiliary power is becoming more important. Work is being performed at Michigan Technological University's Keweenaw Research Center on an Army Research Laboratory cooperative agreement to develop two unmanned ground vehicles for military applications. A wide range of alternative energy technologies were investigated, and hydrogen-powered proton exchange membrane fuel cells were identified as the most appropriate alternative energy source. This is due to some development and commercialization which makes the technology "drop-in plug-in" for immediate use. We present research work on a small unmanned ground vehicle demonstration platform where the fuel cell is the only power source. We also present research work on the integration of a fuel cell onto a large existing platform. The dual-power capability of this vehicle can provide a modest level of propulsion in "engine-off mode" and may also be used to power directed energy devices which have applications in countermine and similar threat technologies.

Citation Download Citation

Jay S. Meldrum, Christopher A. Green, Geoffrey D. Gwaltney, Scott A. Bradley, Jason M. Keith, and Thomas F. Podlesak "Fuel-cell powered unmanned ground vehicle", Proc. SPIE 6561, Unmanned Systems Technology IX, 656117 (2 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.720791

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