Propane fuel cell company gets $1 million Army contract
Adaptive Materials, maker of propane-powered fuel cells, was awarded $1 million to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing filters for use in fuel cells that power U.S. Army robots. The filters would remove contaminants from propane, which differs in quality around the world. The Army robots perform reconnaissance, surveillance and counter-improvised explosive device missions. Propane fuel cell power systems allow the robots to operate for up to 20 times longer than they can with batteries, according to the company. Funding was awarded through the Industrial Base Innovation Fund, a Defense Logistics Agencies program that supports manufacturing technology for military applications.