AUV/UUV fuel cell propulsion options

摘要

Low-temperature fuel cells offer the potential for long mission duration when coupled to a high-energy-density fuel in an auxiliary fuel tank. Candidate high-energy-density fuels include methanol, diesel, and jet fuels. However, all of these fuels must be reformed into hydrogen which is subsequently consumed by the fuel cell to generate electrical power. Thus, a fuel processor becomes a necessary component in the overall fuel cell system.