The United States Army is experimenting with a hydrogen fuel cell unit that could be installed in the M1 Abrams tank to provide electricity for computers and other equipment.
The auxiliary power unit would produce hydrogen from JP8 diesel fuel, then use the hydrogen in a fuel cell, Steven Eick, a chemical engineer in the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, said in a posting at the Army website. The goal is to generate enough power to increase the computing power and communications capabilities of the Abrams and other battlefield vehicles.
"Currently it is only being tested in a lab but it is being designed for the Abrams," Eick said. "Right now this is a prototype which will increase in its power density as it gets developed. Once it proves itself out in the lab, the intent is to install and test it in an actual vehicle."
The Army also is experimenting with fuel cell propulsion systems for non-tactical vehicles.
Photo: U.S. Army
