Army Dedicates Research Area for Fuel-Cell Work with GM

The U.S. Army has dedicated a portion of its new Ground System Power and Energy Laboratory in Warren, Mich., to develop fuel-cell systems with General Motors Co.

GSPEL is part of the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Director Paul Rogers says initial fuel-cell work will focus on auxiliary power units that could be used in combat situations.

Rogers notes that a 150-kW fuel cell about the size needed to propel a car could supply most combat power needs and more, providing a significant diesel fuel savings. He adds that future fuel-cell applications could include remote-controlled robotic combat equipment.

Charles Freeze, who heads global fuel-cell activities for GM, notes that development work with the Army will bolster the company's own work on fuel cells to power vehicles and provide power during outages or at construction sites.

GSPEL traces its roots to 1946, when engineers from the Army and private industry began working together. The lab currently is working on some 64 projects.