The military business unit of SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG, a technology and market leader in fuel-cell based energy-solutions, has reached another major milestone. In an international meeting with military organisations from eight countries, led by the German Federal Army, the first batch of a series of SFC’s new portable DMFC power-generation system for soldiers in the field, 'JENNY,' was handed over to defence ministry representatives from Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The lightweight 1.3kg 'JENNY' fuel cell is an advanced version of SFC’s FCPS system. It provides a continuous power-output of 25W directly from methanol. 'JENNY' can be connected to any standard military lithium-ion battery.

The system thus combines the proven peak power-performance advantages of batteries with the high-energy density and continuity offered by fuel cells. 'JENNY' can be integrated into the soldier’s ensemble or used to power unattended equipment for remote applications, and in both cases it will continuously, silently and reliably supply power to a wide range of carried and unattended electronics and communication equipment. In addition, 'JENNY' enables fast and safe recharging of secondary batteries in the field.

The 'JENNY' fuel-cell system provides immediate mission weight savings of up to 80% over conventional power sources, extending soldier mission times to several days. A 350ml fuel cartridge, for example, provides 350Wh of power and, at a weight of only 360g, replaces two conventional military batteries with a weight of 2kg.

Thanks to the cooperation of the eight military organisations, 'JENNY' has been constructed in a way to satisfy the current range of international military energy-supply standards. Consequently, the system enables true interoperability: troops of participating countries will be able to easily support each other in international missions.

The 'JENNY' DMFC energy-generator system by SFC is an ideal solution to one of the most urgent problems of modern soldiers: a reliable supply of electrical power in the field. With the delivery of these units for field tests, this new technology will reach the actual users - the soldiers in the field - for the first time.

The delivery of this initial series of portable fuel cell systems to eight military organisations marks the first time that a larger number of units will go into intensive military qualification and field tests.

Not only does 'JENNY' enable considerably longer missions thanks to weight savings, but also increased independence from vehicle-borne power sources.

Sergyi Way
06.12.2006

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