Jun 19 2006
Neah Power Systems has announced its intent to extend its patented fuel cell technology to power sensors used in military and homeland security applications.
Neah Power is developing a unique micro fuel cell system for portable electronics and military applications. Based on porous silicon electrodes, Neah's patented and proprietary technology using liquid electrolytes will be configured in a "closed-loop" system that does not require air from the outside environment. This is a requirement for field-deployed sensors and sensor networks of many types that are used by the military and homeland security applications where the fuel cells are not in contact with the air and power is not otherwise available.
According to recent press, military sensors are becoming increasingly important for military operations; they can be placed in strategic locations and networked together to detect, record, and send intelligent information to a central location. Applications can range from surveillance and monitoring of U.S. borders in remote locations to deploying sensors in enemy territory for combat operations. In either event, changing the batteries that power these sensors on a regular basis becomes a daunting task for remote locations and if at all possible, dangerous when located behind enemy lines.
In addition to the previously announced $1.75 million project with the Office of Naval Research, Neah intends to seek additional funding from the military to develop and adapt the closed loop system for military applications.
http://www.neahpower.com