Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) announced the U.S. Army TARDEC-NAC (National Automotive Center) expanded its contract with Quantum to include a transportable hydrogen refueler, the HyHauler Plus(TM).
The refueler will be used to support the high performance hydrogen fuel cell powered light-duty off-road vehicle currently being developed as part of the original contract with the U.S. Army announced last October. The contract amount is $1.0 million.
The refueler and the vehicle will both be designed and manufactured by Quantum's Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, California, and delivered to the U.S. Army for demonstrations at military bases throughout the country.
The HyHauler Plus(TM) is a lightweight trailer-mounted hydrogen fuel dispensing system, specifically designed for fast fills up to 350 bar (5,000-psi) with up to 5 kg of hydrogen per fill. The HyHauler Plus(TM) utilizes an on-board electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water and electricity. An integral compressor fills a cascade of Quantum's ultra-lightweight TriShield(TM) storage tanks within the unit for eventual delivery to the vehicle.
Quantum will also design a simple, easy-to-use dispensing system that will interface with the vehicle utilizing an on-board touch screen control system. This self-contained unit can be easily transported by a full-size pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle rated for towing and is anticipated to deliver enough fuel for up to 11 light-duty off- road vehicles.
The light-duty off-road vehicle designed by Quantum will feature a hydrogen fuel cell powered hybrid electric powertrain. Specifically, Quantum is developing a chassis and body, integrating the fuel cell power module, designing the electric drive system, designing the hydrogen fuel storage and delivery system, and developing the operational and maintenance documentation. The vehicle will achieve performance that meets or exceeds the gasoline internal combustion engine version.
The U.S. Army is currently evaluating fuel cell vehicles because they feature a reduced thermal signature, near-silent propulsion, and the rapid deployment of equipment utilized by troops. With the increasing tactical and communications equipment being implemented on the battlefield and the need for electrical power to support it, fuel cell powered vehicles also have the capability of exporting electrical power silently for a multitude of applications. With fuel comprising up to 70 percent of the supplies transported by the Armed Services to support battlefield operations, this project has the potential to demonstrate a pathway to address logistic issues.
This is Quantum's third contract supporting the U.S. Army in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems applications.
Quantum focuses on three primary product and system applications: Transportation, Fuel Cell Stationary Power Generation and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure. The company manufactures both components and end products. In the Transportation sector, Quantum designs and supplies state-of-the-art fuel system technologies to many of the world's leading OEMs with Hydrogen systems for both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Fuel Cell applications, and Natural Gas and LPG fuel systems for ICE applications. In Stationary Power, Quantum currently supplies components and integrated systems to developers of Fuel Cell stationary power products and is working to expand its product portfolio in these applications. In the area of Refueling Infrastructure, Quantum offers several hydrogen and natural gas refueling systems focused on early infrastructure development, targeting fleets of one to 20 vehicles.
Quantum's ultra-light weight composite fuel storage, fuel injection and metering technologies, electronic control products and OEM-level systems integration capabilities have enabled the company to develop a product portfolio with state-of-the-art technologies and products, a diverse customer base, and alliances with partners such as General Motors and Sumitomo Corporation.
Quantum is a Tier 1 OEM supplier and a member of the GM Fuel Cell Alliance of fuel cell commercialization companies. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, Sunline, Yamaha and AeroVironment.
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