The Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) is researching the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology to develop an auxiliary power unit (APU) on an M-1 Abrams tank. The APU is designed to convert JP8 diesel fuel into hydrogen and then generate electricity through a fuel cell. The goal is use the APU to give an Abrams tank the ability to accommodate more on-board electricity, which is an increasing demand as more computing, battle command technologies, sensors are being added to the combat platform.
“Currently it is only being tested in a lab but it is being designed for the Abrams. 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. Our goal is to generate more on board power to help support radios and other equipment.”
- Steven Eick, chemical engineer, Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
More info:
Army testing fuel cell technology for Abrams tank