Fuel cells, solar power for integration

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AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. military has tapped Lockheed Martin for a project that will integrate solid oxide fuel cells and solar panels for power generation systems.

The U.S. Office of Naval Research, which gave Lockheed the $3 million award, aims to reduce fuel usage for tactical electrical generation by more than 50 percent.

"Lockheed Martin shares the U.S. Department of Defense's top goals of increasing the safety of our troops and reducing operational costs," said Dan Heller, vice president of new ventures for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors.

"Alternative energy solutions, such as the fuel cell we are developing for the Office of Naval Research, can help mitigate these challenges, advancing the strength and flexibility of our military operating in some of the world's toughest conditions."

The development program is for 32 months. At its conclusion Lockheed Martin will demonstrate and deliver a multi-kilowatt JP-8 compatible Fuel Cell Efficient Power Node, which will then be evaluated by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Working with Lockheed to develop and mature the fuel cell technology is Technology Management Inc. of Ohio.