Packing a fuel cell: Qinetiq develops portable hybrid fuel cells that produce more energy then traditional batteries. (News).

Engineer, The, May, 2003 by Helen Knight

A HYBRID fuel cell system capable of generating significantly more energy than standard batteries could be used in battlefield equipment. As well as powering the increasingly complex electronic devices needed by soldiers, it could be placed in laptops and television cameras.

Unlike standard fuel cells, the portable Qinetiq device contains a microprocessor with a tiny lithium ion battery that allows it to start up instantly. The hybrid system, capable of producing up to 60W of power from each 10-cell stack, is being evaluated by the MoD as a solution to the increasing energy needs of the infantry and Special Forces soldier.

The army's Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme, due to start in 2009, is designed to equip soldiers with sensors,...