Naval Air Warfare Center AD, Contracts Dept. Code 233, Bldg. 129-2 Lakehurst, NJ 08733-

29 -- FUEL CELLS AND FUEL BASED POWER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOL N68335-96-RFI-610 DUE 053096 POC Barbara Petrzilka Code 213BP, (908) 323-2067. This is a Request for Information Only. There is no solicitation package available. Request for information regarding fuel cells and fuel based power systems technology applicable as prime movers for powered and self propelled equipment items used in support of aircraft operations, both landbased and shipboard. Most all of these items are currently powered by diesel powerplants. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is currently undertaking a major study to determine whether diesel powered systems or some alternative power system (or some combination thereof) is the best power system option for future Navy powered and self propelled aviation support equipment. It may also be cost/mission effective to retrofit diesel engines out of existing aviation support equipment and replace them with an alternative powerplant, such as a fuel cell. Information is requested regarding existing fuel cell power systems, fuel cell power systems currently in development, and future projections for fuel cell power systems design and performance. Current power requirements range from appx. 30KW to appx. 400KW. Information forwarded may include, but should not be limited to: FUEL CELL: Principle of operation (PEM, SOFC, MCFC, etc); design; power output; operating temperature and heat production rate; efficiency (fuel cell and total system); weight and dimensions, balance of plant requirements, fuel used; fuel reformer used (if required); information regarding enviromental effects on fuel cell performance (eg.ambient air temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI) susceptibility and missions, ability to operate laid over or inverted, etc.); system and component reliability (MTBF); system maintenance requirements; system operating useful life; fuel cell and associated systems cost (include operating cost); future projections regarding fuel cell system performance/cost; research papers or demonstration project reports; field use data; any other related pertinent information. FUEL BASED HYBRID POWER SYSTEM: The same info as requested above for fuel cell; hybrid system principle of operation (eg. fuel cell-battery; fuel cell- electric motor- flywheel, etc.); purpose or advantage of the hybrid system; hybrid system efficiency and performance; hybrid system emissions and by-products; hybrid system costs. The above areas are not exclusive and any information on any other method is welcome. It is requested that information be submitted no later than 30 May 1996 to Ms. Barbara Petrzilka, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (Code 213000B129-2), Highway 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5082, who may be reached at (908) 323-2067. Respondents are notified that a formal solicitation may not necessarily result from the RFI. Any comments provided may or may not be included in a formal solicitation. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this RFI nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. The Government will not release any information marked with a Proprietary legend, received in response to this RFI, to any firms, agencies, or individuals outside the Government without written permission in accordance with the legend. (0109)

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