FUEL CELL ATV

Fuel Cell technology is a promising option in the search for feasible alternative energy solutions to our growing energy crisis. As the technology matures, fuel cell systems have the potential to be incorporated as a power provider for emerging electric vehicle propulsion solutions, but where the technology is today, the fuel cell appears to be better suited as a battery replacement technology to provide off-the-grid power in the place of traditional battery systems or small gensets.

The Fuel Cell ATV was a project performed in conjunction with the National Automotive Center to explore the use of Fuel Cell technology for off-board power applications. A Kubota all-terrain vehicle was upfitted by ICRC with a custom carrier hosting an array of medical equipment that was intended to function as a mobile trauma unit.
As a trauma response unit, the Fuel Cell ATV was equipped with all of the supplies a military trauma team would require. An electronic vital signs monitor, defibrillator, aspirator and suction pump were accompanied by combat ready inflatable stretcher and a first aid kit including an intubation kit and a full set of bandages. Utilizing a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) as the main power source for the accessory medical equipment on board, the Fuel Cell ATV was capable of providing up to 1kW of AC power to support soldier equipment. The vehicle was also equipped with an onboard air compressor and a military SINCGARS radio docking station. Users in the field therefore had enough equipment to effectively attend to any medical emergencies and stabilize the victim’s condition, while radioing pertinent location and status information to facilitate a rescue.
As the program manager and technical lead, I worked through our government customer to secure funding and select the appropriate vehicle upfitter to assist with the metal fabrication we would require as part of the project. I also performed the necessary technology assessments to select the appropriate medical and electronic equipment for the project, including making the arrangements to select and acquire a prototype fuel cell that best fit our application. All of the wiring harnesses, electrical schematics, and installation was also completed by me while I worked with a local vehicle upfitter in Wixom, Michigan, RM Corporation, to complete the build.

Fuel Cell technology has come a long way in the last ten years and I remain actively engaged in understanding the latest developments in this emerging technology area. Over the years, I’ve been called in to support several other fuel cell integration activities based on my experience with this technology.