Hybrid power sources for military applications

Hybrid power sources consisting of a high energy-density but low power density component, and high power density but low energy density component are the subject of this paper. Such systems could provide much needed capability of high current pulses and extend the operation time of comparable in size and weight battery system. This is especially true for the military applications. Several different hybrid power systems have been evaluated. A zinc-air/electrochemical capacitor (EC) hybrid under pulse load demonstrated power levels more than double of that of the zinc-air battery alone over extensive time of operation. Similar benefits were demonstrated in the fuel cell/electrochemical capacitor and fuel cell/sealed lead-acid battery systems.