MIT demonstrates portable hydrogen fuel generator for USMC
The prototype Hydrogen Tactical Refueling Point (H-TaRP). (Photo: USMC/Lance Cpl Cheyenne Stillion)
A prototype device converts aluminium into hydrogen fuel by a reaction with water in any form — even urine.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory has conducted a demonstration for the USMC of a prototype device to convert aluminium into hydrogen fuel.
If proven in further evaluations and broadly adopted, it could result in a ‘portable, readily available power source’ to replace heavy batteries that require recharging from a power source, the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) noted in a 15 February release.
This would align with the USMC vision for greater mobility and agility.
The device — called the Hydrogen Tactical Refueling Point (H-TaRP) — comprises an aluminium dispenser, reactor vessel, water cooling system and a control system manifold to fill a hydrogen tank.
It works by exploiting how aluminium reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. ‘Any form of water works in the chemical reaction: salty ocean water, river water, even urine,’ the ONR noted.
Leftover steam from the fuel creation process could be distilled and used as drinking water.
‘H-TaRP’s purpose is to eliminate the need for diesel fuel transport and battery charging by being able to use locally available resources to produce hydrogen fuel for all sorts of vehicles,’ said Erik Limpacher, head of the Energy Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Future plans for H-TaRP involve extended operation and high-pressure hydrogen generation. MIT also wants to halve the size of the device.
ONR is sponsoring the hydrogen fuel research effort under its Global TechSolutions programme. It chose MIT after a competitive process.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sener to tackle uncrewed teaming for convoys under European project]()
Sener to tackle uncrewed teaming for convoys under European project
Sener Aerospace and Defense will lead a multi-national European Defence Fund project to explore swarming and interoperability of UGVs with crewed ground and air vehicles.
-
![Rheinmetall chalks up more munitions and air defence contracts]()
Rheinmetall chalks up more munitions and air defence contracts
The German-based group has announced contracts for Spike missiles, air defence systems and 40mm and 155mm ammunition for NATO and non-NATO customers.
-
![Thales technology to bolster Ukrainian air defence umbrella]()
Thales technology to bolster Ukrainian air defence umbrella
The Ukrainian and French defence ministers have signed an agreement for supply of a complete air defence system.
-
![How the US Army plans to accelerate replenishment of stockpiles]()
How the US Army plans to accelerate replenishment of stockpiles
The service is betting on multi-year contracts, reducing procurement process bureaucracy and partnering with industry to speed up production.
-
![Germany explores new options for future armoured vehicles]()
Germany explores new options for future armoured vehicles
Germany has a range of requirements for additional or replacement armoured vehicles over the next decade. Shephard analyses how the German Army might use its share of the country's highly publicised €100 billion defence spending boost.
-
![Argentina negotiates acquisition of 6x6 Guarani vehicles]()
Argentina negotiates acquisition of 6x6 Guarani vehicles
The procurement will involve a transfer of technology, with parts of the Guarani platforms produced at Iveco’s facilities in Argentina.
