Dec 8 2008
UltraCell Corporation, a leading producer of reformed methanol fuel cells (RMFCs) for mobile power applications, today announced the availability of its higher-power XX55™ reformed methanol fuel cell, the industry's first and only ultra-compact, rugged portable fuel cell equipped with a hybrid battery system.
The XX55's breakthrough technology offers fully optimized battery integration, allowing for complete functionality using an industry first clip-on and clip-off battery module system. The technology enables a wide range of off-the-shelf batteries to be utilized and tailored to the end-user's requirements. Scaled from the company's award-winning and field-proven XX25 fuel cell system, the XX55 delivers 55 watts of continuous power and 80 watts peak power, with a capacity of 250 hours of continuous off-the-grid operation with a single tank of fuel.
Delivering more peak power with greater efficiency, while breaking all industry records on environmental temperature and altitude, the XX55 was designed to meet the rugged, off-grid power needs of military and commercial users.
The system is the size of a typical hardbound book and four times lighter and six times smaller than the nearest production portable fuel cell system in its power class. "The UltraCell XX55 is a true revolution in portable power," said Keith Scott, CEO of UltraCell. "Fuel cells have traditionally provided outstanding performance for extended runtime operations, while batteries have continued to provide superior characteristics with high pulse power capability, instant power availability and highly efficient low load operation.
The XX55 is the first rugged portable fuel cell to provide a true marriage of these technologies in a seamless package -- allowing the user to enjoy the individual strengths of both without any sacrifices." Unmatched Portable Power The UltraCell XX55 is ideal for a wide variety of higher-power electronic applications including radio and satellite communication equipment, remote or mobile surveillance systems, laptop computers and battery charging.
The XX55 operates fully automatically when needed, sensing the amount of power required and optimizing energy output for superior runtime. Its small size makes it inconspicuous, while its long life means that no servicing trips are needed for highly remote or more covert surveillance applications, reducing the risk of detection.
UltraCell's fuel cell units provide uninterrupted power for extended periods at an average 70% weight savings over a typical 72-hour off-grid mission versus traditional military batteries. In addition, UltraCell's fuel cell systems are powered by ultraclean, biodegradable methanol, providing quiet and nearly emissions-free operation, generating only water and carbon dioxide.