California-based UltraCell Corporation has received a follow on contract jointly funded through the US Army and DARPA, to accelerate the further development and field testing of its next-generation 25-watt reformed methanol fuel cell, the XX25.

The XX25 converts a concentrated methanol solution into hydrogen, which is then used by the fuel cell to power computers and communication devices. While a small 250cc canister of fuel can keep devices going for up to eight hours, UltraCell says the system can be configured with large tanks for stationary tasks like surveillance and video monitoring.

Keith Scott, CEO, UltraCell, explained: “This new contract will drive advanced system design and provide units for further military field demonstrations and field testing.

“We look forward to continuing to supply the XX25 for both military and non-military applications.”