IMTI Update
Power Sources Technology Roadmaps
Initiated from the OSD ManTech program through the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP) and the DoD Power Sources Technical Working Group (PSTWG), the work in batteries and fuel cells – more generally power sources – started in 2004 with a workshop at SCRA in Charleston, SC. Since that time, IMTI has worked in a support role to the PSTWG on batteries and fuel cells and an additional roadmap for fuel cells and hydrogen pathways for the DLA.
The Power Sources Technology Roadmap has evolved over the last few years, headed in the beginning by a dear friend who we lost over a year ago, John Thompson, and now by Mark Gietter of the Army. Mark has provided consistent and insightful leadership - technical and managerial - as the team has driven toward better definition and clearer communication. The initial focus was on non-rechargeable, rechargeable, and reserve batteries - which comprise the current military technology base.
Winter 2010 Edition
- IMTI—Ten Years In Pursuit of a Dream
- IMTI's Year in Review—2009 was a Great Year!
- Ten Imperatives for the Model-Based Enterprise
- Radical Innovation in Design and Manufacturing
- Meet Charlie Neal, IMTI Senior Manufacturing Strategist
- Power Sources Technology Roadmaps
- InRAD Unveils InSpire at the Defense Manufacturing Conference 2009 in Orlando
Emphasis has also been placed on emerging fuel cell technologies in the lower power output range. These fuel cell technologies occupy the same application space as the batteries. The present roadmap takes key battery chemistries and key fuel cell types through an analysis of the important functionality and an assessment of the ability – with and without DoD investments – to meet that functionality. The assessment addresses both current capability and projected future capability. The roadmap is a large and complex document, and it provides rich information on which wise investments can be made for better satisfying the power sources needs of the young men and women who serve us as our warfighters. The document is now being managed in cooperation with the National Defense Industries Association and is undergoing review for broad-based release anticipated for late 2009.
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Pathways Roadmapping document is less mature than the broader power sources document and is focused on the use of fuel cells and the Hydrogen fuel they consume. As fuel cells continue to advance, Hydrogen pathway development is needed to assure the necessary infrastructure for the production, storage, transportation, and finally – at the nozzle – the dispensing of hydrogen. The content of that document resulted from a workshop that was held in July, 2009 under the leadership of Leo Plonsky of the DLA – primary sponsor for this effort. Pete Devlin from the DOE was also a partner in this workshop to help leverage the strong DOE hydrogen fuel cell program already in place.