BOSTON, Oct. 10, 2006 — The featured speaker for the start of the 2007-2008 local New England Section of the Electrochemical Society was Dr. Michael C. Kimble of Skyhaven Systems, LLC (RIL), formerly MicroCell Technologies, LLC. This presentation, held at the MIT Faculty Club, showed and discussed on-going development work in RIL’s alkaline fuel cell and battery technology. The abstract and speaker biography for this presentation is:

Abstract

An alternative method for portable power production is presented based on a low cost, disposable alkaline fuel cell. Using materials similar to those in consumer batteries, including manganese oxide based cathodes and Raney Ni based anodes, an inexpensive fuel cell can be fabricated for short-run power production applications. This disposable alkaline fuel cell is based on a compact tubular design that can be produced in a continuous manufacturing mode to form a flexible cord. As an example, the magnesium/iron based chemical heaters used in military Meals, Ready-to-Eat rations (MREs) release hydrogen gas upon activation. In larger rations that serve groups of 18 soldiers as opposed to individuals, such as the Unitized Group Ration-Express (UGR-E) ration, the released hydrogen gas is formidable and could pose a safety risk by detonating if the lower explosion level is exceeded. To address this problem, a lightweight and flexible alkaline fuel cell cord can be integrated throughout the UGR-E ration to consume the released hydrogen gas producing additional heat for the ration or using the generated electricity to conduct useful work such as recharging batteries in the field.

Biography

Michael C. Kimble is the President and Founder of Skyhaven Systems, LLC (formerly MicroCell Technologies, LLC) an engineering research and development firm that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced electrochemical engineering technology for chemical unit operations and instrumentation. Dr. Kimble received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Refining from the Colorado School of Mines in 1987 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Electrochemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1991. His research interests include alkaline and proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrochemical reaction and separation processes, and hydrogen generation and storage.

Contact Info:

Michael C. Kimble, Ph.D.

Skyhaven Systems, LLC

mkimble@skyhavensystems.com