. 24/7 Space News .
Proton Energy Systems Developing Fuel Cells For Naval Reseach Lab

an example of a fuel cell for space applications
 Wallingford CT (SPX) Jun 03, 2004
Proton Energy Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Distributed Energy Systems Corp. announced on Monday the receipt of $1.1 million in additional funding to continue its Phase II project with the Naval Research Laboratory, or NRL, for advanced fuel cell technology development. This award is based on Proton's progress in Phase I and Phase II for the development of a one kilowatt-scale prototype system for critical defense and aerospace applications.

The effort is part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, "Water Rocket" program that applies Proton's technology to advanced space propulsion and energy systems. This program supports a broader "Orbital Express" initiative aimed at developing next generation serviceable satellites planned to provide significant improvements in U.S. military space operations capability.

Design goals of this high-pressure hydrogen/oxygen regenerative fuel cell system are reversibility, space operation, lightweight packaging, and fewer system components over state-of-the-art fuel cell designs.

Proton completed Phase I of this contract in early 2003 demonstrating the ability to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases at pressures exceeding 3,000 psi. The efficient compression of these gases, a key feature in space-based, high energy density applications, is made possible by Proton's solid-state electrolysis cell stack design, called HIPRESS.

Proton's Senior Vice President, Robert Friedland commented, "We are pleased that DARPA and NRL have chosen Proton and its contractor team to continue this project. Government sponsorship is an important part of advancing our regenerative fuel cell technology, which we believe will have far-reaching implications for military, aerospace, homeland defense and commercial applications."

Proton's contractor team for this effort includes Aerojet and ATK Thiokol Propulsion, who provide expertise on space and satellite technology implementation. The team also includes Schafer Corporation, Kare Technical Consulting and Myers Manufacturing Company, who provide additional aerospace expertise.

Related Links
Proton Energy Systems
Distributed Energy Systems
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

DoE Funds Multiple Fusion Labs
 Washington (SPX) May 27, 2004
The Department of Energy has selected the University of Maryland, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Rochester to host two new Fusion Science Centers, Dr. Raymond L. Orbach, Director of DOE's Office of Science announced Thursday.



Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only














The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.