NexTech Materials has received a Future Naval Capability project contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to design, develop and demonstrate a compact energy system for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). NexTech will reportedly complete a comprehensive design of an energy-dense solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system for a 21-in. diameter UUV; the system will be fuelled with JP-10 liquid hydrocarbon fuel and liquid oxygen reactants.

The project provides follow-on funding for SOFC development undertaken in a previous ONR project, which had resulted in a computerized model and a 1 kW early test system. The use of SOFCs with liquid hydrocarbon fuels offers high electrical efficiencies, reducing the volume and weight of fuel and oxygen that need to be stored onboard the UUV.

“NexTech is pleased to have our UUV energy system technology selected for further development by the Office of Naval Research,” said Scott Swartz, Ph.D., CTO. “We are excited to be participating in the development of technology that meets a critical need for the U.S. Navy and extremely gratified that ONR has placed their confidence in us to deliver on this project.”

For more information, visit www.nextechmaterials.com.