The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is adapting hydrogen fuel cell technology to address the growing power demands of US Marine Corps field units, replacing the heavy batteries and generators currently used by soldiers to provide electronic power. This idea, known as the Hydrogen Small Unit Power (H-SUP) system, aims to offer a lighter, more efficient, and less detectable power source.
Today, modern soldiers rely heavily on electronic devices such as radios, computer networks, sensors, night-vision goggles, and drones. This translates to a significant burden of batteries and fuel, impacting mobility and logistical efficiency.
To reduce this reliance, the H-SUP system uses hydrogen fuel cell technology, originally developed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The H-SUP system is designed as a ruggedized and repackaged version of the technology adapted in the hydrogen-powered H2 Stalker program. It consists of waterproof lockers containing the fuel cell, inverter, hydrogen storage, and a charging station. By offering a power output of up to 1.2 kW, the H-SUP system is not only more energy-dense but also lighter than other traditional batteries or generators.
In addition to its weight advantages, the H-SUP also offers several other benefits. Its electrochemical reaction-based operation helps it to be more efficient, quieter, and produce a lower heat signature than combustion-based generators.
The integrated ethylene glycol coolant system further reduces thermal detectability. With fewer moving parts, the H-SUP also promises improved maintainability and a long operational lifespan of 5,000 hours. Its modular design allows for easy modification to suit specific mission requirements and integration with vehicle electrical systems.
To date, the H-SUP has undergone field testing at various Marine Corps and Army facilities, including Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, and Fort Polk with the 101st Airborne. Feedback from these tests is being used to improve the system.
The H-SUP system represents a significant step forward in providing quiet, efficient, and reliable power for expeditionary operations, ultimately enhancing the lethality and operational effectiveness of US military forces.
According to Captain Joshua Ashley, U.S. Marine Corps, Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O) Science and Technology Analyst, warfighter feedback is crucial for informing requirement definitions and future research and development of the H-SUP system. The E2O acts as a vital link between the warfighter and the lab, ensuring that the technology meets the needs of
