INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Modern technology has been embraced by the Department of Defense (DoD) as a
resource to enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of the military
services. This is an important factor as our relatively small military forces
are deployed both in combat, hostile environments, peacekeeping, and continued
training scenarios far beyond that envisioned when the military was reduced in
size by 40% in the 1990s. The focus of this technical/market report is on the
ground forces and how fuel cells will be employed within a 5-year horizon and
into the future. It also identifies the early market opportunities for fuel
cells in military applications.
This document looks at the technological
evolution and advances for military applications requiring primary,
supplementary and backup power. It addresses applications for stationary,
mobile, and portable power requirements, and includes existing and projected
uses and markets for fuel cells and advanced batteries within the military. It
is intended as an update and supplement to the Business Communications Co., Inc.
(www.buscom.com) much longer report GB-248 Advanced Military Batteries for the
Digital Battlefield: A Technology Challenge. This is an abbreviated report and
the reader desiring additional information on aspects of military standards,
environmental issues, or little used military unique batteries will find that
information in the other BCC, Inc. document. There are also related publications
mentioned at the end of this introduction.
A principal objective is to
identify what are the trends that are likely and appropriate for the use of fuel
cells for large stationary power needs, mobile power, and small-scale power
needs. Fuel cells are expected to be deployed for some military power needs by
2006. Advanced batteries and generators for mobile electric power will continue
to have a role. These electrochemical devices have the potential to offer
agility, stability, and efficient power to replace traditional hydrocarbon
combustion-driven platforms and battery-powered systems. The market for military
fuel cells is poised to take off in 5 to 10 years, but the opportunities are
balanced by a number of barriers that must be overcome before military fuel
cells can sustain the anticipated multi-billion dollar markets anticipated by
mid-21st century forces.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
It is important to understand how the military will move toward the use of
high technology stationary, mobile, or portable power systems. Many different
governmental organizations are involved in shaping the broad future of advanced
power sources in the military. The present demonstration and funding programs
are part of the enabling force for fuel cell and advanced battery application
developments, but there are other factors as well. Consideration must be given
to the present power requirements and their deficiencies. Identifying the
hurdles to be overcome in moving fuel cells into the military is a factor that
must be recognized.
Some advanced power systems need only be cost effective,
others must be robust enough for combat situations, and other systems may soon
be an effective replacement and utilized in secure or homeland sectors.
Commercial off-the-shelf (COFT) military acquisition programs seem likely as the
technology emerges, at least for peacetime or stable deployed environments.
There are potential benefits as well as potential barriers to the use of fuel
cells by the military.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY
This technical market report is intended to provide a unique analysis of the
fuel cell technology potential in the U.S. military. It should be of special
interest to those responsible for making key technology investment decisions
within their organization. Any organization involved in developing or assembling
or hoping to deploy next-generation military platforms and systems requiring
stationary, mobile or portable power will find this study valuable. This study
provides technology and use potential applications through the year 2008.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
The military continues to seek more cost effective, reliable, and robust
power sources for its applications. A more detailed look is given to the
stationary, mobile electric power, transportation and portable applications of
the ground forces because that is where there is the most perceived need. There
are substantial Navy and Air Force requirements as well.
INFORMATION SOURCES
An in-depth analysis of military sources, Department of Defense (DoD), and
related technical and business literature and published dissertations, combined
with a review of the history of the technologies involved, interviews with
industry experts, federal government researchers, and contractors provided an
assessment of the outlook, the progress and the deployment of fuel cells in the
United States military. Other information sources include product literature
from suppliers, scientific references, conferences, and patent searches.
The
report makes projections for market sectors in terms of constant dollars
representing real growth. Historical values are presented for the given year.
The market analyzed is for the United States.
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