Preliminary - Available November 2014
Python Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
The Definitive Defence Vehicle Power Solution
The massive array of electrically powered tactical systems installed on new and legacy military
vehicle platforms has expanded far beyond the level anticipated just a few years ago. It’s an accelerating trend that will get worse.
With vehicles not designed to cope with the additional electrical burden, users are regularly experiencing power shortages in theatre, causing systems to shut down unexpectedly (a major
safety concern and a significant tactical disadvantage).
Even when larger vehicle alternators or conventional APU’s are fitted;; internal combustion en-­
gines can replace limited electrical capacity only while they are running. Often they cannot be
run, causing on-board batteries to be quickly flattened during silent / radio watch or while vehicles are on standby with systems not fully isolated.
Imagine therefore the possibilities for a battlefield where vehicle silent watch times were increased to days rather than hours or minutes. Where batteries were always recharged and
never flattened / damaged through abuse. Battery capacity on-board could be reduced - freeing
up vital space and increasing payload. Engine idle times for power provision were vastly decreased saving massive volumes of fuel.
With Merlin’s Python Solid Oxide Fuel Cell auxiliary power unit, the above is now possible. Pro-­
duction ready for July 2014, the Python provides up to 1.2kW (43A @ 28V) of power continuously, while drawing comparatively tiny amounts of fuel from the vehicles existing tank (D2 Diesel / JP-5 / JP-8).
Weighing in at only 11Kg, virtually silent and with no visible exhaust gases, it generates power
up to 300% more efficiently than an internal combustion generator.
The Python offers a new way of using tactical vehicles in combat.
Product Highlights
THE PYTHON
Merlin Power Systems’ 1.2 KW Python solid oxide fuel cell provides the tactical high-density auxiliary power solution for today’s 21st cen-­
tury military mobility platforms. The Python produces 43 amps of
power at 28 VDC, making it ideal for bulk charging of the onboard
battery bank (s).
MULTI-FUEL TOLERANCE
Operating on readily available tactical fuels, the sulphur tolerant design of the Python permits higher sulphur content fuels to be utilized
without significant output power loss for up to 3,000 hours of continuous full power use before scheduled maintenance.
US $80 - 100 per Kg. The cost of replacing vehicle
batteries in Theatre. Combat vehicles usually carry between 2 and 6 blocks and they are damaged regularly.
QUIET OPERATION
A 40Kg battery therefore costs $4000 (£2500) delivered.
While providing power more efficiently than standard internal combustion generators, the Python’s nearly soundless operation also massively increases silent watch capability and mission duration. The
Python’s fuel consumption at full power output is 0.38 Liters per hour. USER-FRIENDLY RUGGED DESIGN
Engineered to comply with the most stringent environmental and
electromagnetic military specifications, the Python has been designed
to thrive under the most severe weather conditions and in the most
inhospitable environs. Employing commonly available commercial
replacement parts and built for ease of access, the Python makes the
performance of routine/periodic maintenance a simple matter for field
personnel.
Cost of vehicle fuel for engine idling?
Up to US $400 a Gallon.
PYTHON EFFICIENCY VS. CONVENTIONAL ICE APU
60%
Absolute Efficiency
50%
Fuel Cell
40%
30%
20%
ICE APU
10%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Percentage Of Maximum Rated Load (APU)
90%
100%
MerlinNet Enabled For Automatic Operation
While the Python can be utilized as a stand alone tactical
auxiliary power generator, it also can be combined with (and
used as a component of) the Merlin VBMS (Vehicle Battery
Management System), The VBMS is a fully programmable
networked power management system that can be integrated into any combat vehicle.
In addition, the Python reports data back to the VBMS network (Merlin Net) regarding its operation. This information
can then be viewed alongside battery state of charge, health
and other VBMS operating parameters through Merlin’s Gauge Builder software for display on a Vetronics / C4I computer screen on-board the vehicle (if available).
In addition to intelligently distributing power around the platform and preventing batteries from being flattened and damaged, the VBMS can control the operation of the Python
based on its knowledge of remaining battery state of charge
(SoC).
Information such as whether the Python is running or not, its
power output, charge status, operating hours as well as fault
codes are all viewable through the VBMS system.
This means that the Python can be automatically switched
on and off based on the charging needs of the battery system rather than being run for extended periods when power
is not needed. This again increases the fuel efficiency of the
Python when compared to a normal APU being manually
controlled and increases time periods between scheduled
maintenance.
Integration of Python within VBMS often means that required
battery capacity and vehicle alternator sizes can also be reduced in most cases, leading to space, weight and financial
savings.
Python Installed Networked With Merlin’s VBMS (Vehicle Battery Management System) Black Out
Dimming
Inputs
Battery
Monitoring
Serial / CAN
Interface
Battery
Monitor
CPU
24V DC
Pos Output
(Systems
Batteries)
VBMS
Gateway 2
Not To Scale
This Is A System Overview,
Not A Wiring Diagram
System
Batteries
MerlinNet
DC +
DC -
+
-
System
Control &
Monitoring
Panel
Current
Sensor
(Shunt)
Battery
Monitoring
Volt / Temp
Sensing
+
-
Vehicle
Batteries
Current
Sensor
(Shunt)
Battery
Monitoring
Volt / Temp
Sensing
Python
Fuel
Cell
VBMS
Gateway 1
24V DC
Pos Output
(Vehicle
Batteries)
VBMS
CPU
VBMS
Serial
Interface
VBMS
Configurable
I/O
Specifications
SPECIFICATION
FUEL SOURCES
DIESEL (D2), JP5 / JP8
POWER OUTPUT
MIL-STD-1275D
28V DC @ 43A (1204W)
FUEL CONSUMPTION
0.38 LPH @ 43A
OPERATING TEMPERATURE
-40° C TO 85° C
STORAGE TEMPERATURE
-40° C TO 100° C
SIZE (HEIGHT x WIDTH x DEPTH)
WEIGHT
229 x 533 x 483mm
11 Kg
EMI / EMC CERTIFICATIONS
MIL-STD-461F
(CE101, CE102, CE106, CS101, CS114, CS115, CS116,
RE102, RS103)
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATIONS
MIL-STD-810G
(HIGH/LOW TEMP, SALT / FOG, SHOCK / VIBRATION,
DUST / SAND)
HUMIDITY
AUDIBLE SIGNATURE
SERVICE INTERVAL
95% NON CONDENSING
<45dB @ 1M
UP TO 3,000 HOURS
(FUEL DEPENDENT)
Units 3 & 4, Cabot Business Village, Holyrood
Cabot Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BA, UK
T: +44 (0)1202 697979
E: sales@merlinequipment.com
www.merlinequipment.com