InnovaTek Developing Portable Power for Soldiers

5-10-2013

 

RICHLAND, WA – After successful completion of a Phase I feasibility study InnovaTek has received word from the U.S. Army that it was selected for a Phase II award to develop and deliver a prototype multi-fuel processor for portable power.  The overall program objective is to design a portable, high energy source with fuel flexible capability that reduces the weight burden and improves supply logistics for the dismounted soldier. The $1 million award over two years will culminate in the delivery of a prototype device that will be tested at the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

During Phase I InnovaTek utilized its experience in catalytic fuel processing to develop catalysts and a prototype micro structured reforming reactor and successfully demonstrated the conversion of multiple fuel types, including JP-8, diesel, and renewable fuels, to hydrogen.  The development of a fuel processor that operates with high energy density liquid fuel is an important technical achievement in creating portable fuel cell-based power systems that are practical for the military.  The prototype fuel processor was integrated with an UltraCell high temperature PEM micro-fuel cell in a bench top system that generated 500 W electricity from JP-8, thereby proving feasibility of InnovaTek’s design.  The design has a specific energy of 90.5 W-hr/kg for a 4-hr run-time which surpasses any other portable power product, such as a battery, that is currently available.

If successfully optimized during Phase II, the technology would represent a significant advancement in one of the critical steps required to achieving portable power generation from multiple fuel types, including renewable fuels.  In addition to serving the military portable energy market, the proposed technology will also provide an alternative to batteries for auxiliary power where long duration performance is desired. This market includes battery chargers for mobile phones and generators for first responders, disaster relief operations, and off-grid communities without access to reliable power.

About InnovaTek, Inc.

InnovaTek, Inc. provides engineering solutions and creates products for sustainable power.  The Company is a leader in fuel processing technology and advanced catalysts for hydrogen production from petroleum and renewable fuels. InnovaTek’s vision is to use innovative non-combustion catalytic technologies to move the world away from wasteful fossil fuel combustion and toward clean, efficient electrical energy generation from renewable, sustainable biofuels, providing a path for a better quality of life for future generations.   The Company is developing biofuel production technology and integrated fuel cell products for electric vehicles, auxiliary power systems and distributed energy applications.  Learn more about InnovaTek at www.innovatek.com.