InnovaTek Receives Subcontract from UltraCell for Air Force Project

6-27-2015

Richland, WA – A $180,000 contract was received by InnovaTek for delivery of fuel processing technology to UltraCell, LLC, a Bren-Tronics Company located in Livermore, CA.

  UltraCell will integrate InnovaTek’s InnovaGen® fuel processor with UltraCell’s micro fuel cell to produce a power system for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Air Force.  The power system, known as RIPPED (Renewable Integrated Propulsion Power Electricity & Distribution) is designed to produce an all-electric hybrid powered UAV that operates on JP-8 (jet fuel).  United States Forces currently have a need for rapid response small unmanned aerial systems for a variety of functions such as reconnaissance and surveillance in support of convoy operations.  Current systems do not have the fast response times or the endurance necessary to complete missions.  There is also a significant need for this technology for non-military use such as for emergency responders, search and rescue, border patrol, and remote forest fire assessment.

The RIPPED UAV will offer long loiter, rapid response “dash” speeds, and low noise by using a fuel cell system coupled with a Li-ion battery.  InnovaTek’s technology permits the operation of the fuel cell using logistical fuels.  The InnovaGen® fuel processor produces hydrogen from JP-8 through a catalytic process.  The hydrogen is utilized by the fuel cell with oxygen from the air to produce electricity.  The conversion of the fuel to energy takes place through an electrochemical process, rather than combustion, resulting in a clean, quiet, and efficient power system.  The prototype RIPPED UAV will be demonstrated for the Air Force in 2017.

About InnovaTek, Inc.
InnovaTek, Inc. provides engineering solutions and creates products for sustainable power.  The Company is a leader in fuel processing technology and advanced catalysts for hydrogen production from petroleum and renewable fuels. InnovaTek’s vision is to use innovative non-combustion catalytic technologies to move the world away from wasteful fossil fuel combustion and toward clean, efficient electrical energy generation from renewable, sustainable biofuels, providing a path for a better quality of life for future generations.   The Company is developing biofuel production technology and integrated fuel cell products for electric vehicles, auxiliary power systems and distributed energy applications.  Learn more about InnovaTek at www.innovatek.com.