Army looks to fuel cells for tanks
WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Army is looking into fuel cell technology to boost electrical power in its M1 Abrams battle tanks, the service said.
In an article on its Web site, the Army said more electrical power on board would allow more computing, battle command technologies, sensors and other equipment.
"Currently it fuel cell technology is only being tested in a lab but it is being designed for the Abrams," said Steven Eick, a chemical engineer at the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.
"Our goal is to generate more on board power to help support radios and other equipment."
Eick said Army engineers are also experimenting with fuel cell technology for non-combat vehicles.
The technology would be for an auxiliary power unit that converts JP8 diesel fuel into hydrogen and then generates electricity through a fuel cell.
Eick said use of fuel cells involves a chemical in which electrical current is generated by the breakdown of a hydrogen atom.
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BC Ferries celebrates addition of hybrid ships
VICTORIA - In a champagne celebration, BC Ferries welcomed two new, hybrid vessels into its fleet Wednesday. The ships arrived in Victoria last month, and are expected to be in service on northern routes by the summer.
The Island Aurora and Island Discovery have the ability to run on either diesel or electricity.
"The pressure on whales on the West Coast is very intense right now," said BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins. "Quiet operation is very important. These ships will be gliding out of the harbor quietly and electrically with no engines running, that will be really great for marine space."
BC Ferries…
