A portable fuel cell electric generator with greater energy per weight than batteries has been prototyped as a tactical power source by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The Hydrogen Small Unit Power (H-SUP) system offers up to 1.2 kW of continuous power in a ruggedized package.

The HSUP is expected to be deployed by U.S. Marine Corps field units to replace the heavy batteries and generators now used by soldiers to provide electricity. The use of hydrogen in key applications can deliver increased electrical efficiency and energy density along with lower audible and thermal signatures than combustion generators. Additional benefits include reduced maintenance needs and logistical support demands.

The system features an integrated ethylene glycol-based coolant system to help mask it from detection. With fewer moving parts than a generator, The HSUP is also easier to maintain with a rating of 5,000 hours of operation. Initially designed for use in unmanned vehicles, the hydrogen generator was recently field tested for other operational scenarios.

The high specific energy content of hydrogen enables increased range and endurance for unmanned systems. This has been demonstrated in the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s H2 Stalker program, where this same fuel cell was integrated into the Stalker VXE30.

NRL principal investigator Kevin Cronin said: “This is more than a power system. It’s a capability that supports distributed operations and extends mission range. That’s strategic value.”