The US Army Fuel Cell Technology team at Fort Belvoir needed an integrated system to fine-tune its process for converting a logistical fuel into hydrogen for operating a solid oxide fuel-cell stack.  The end objective was to generate “quiet power” – with a minimal thermal and sound signature – on the battlefield.  Mobile applications also included auxiliary power units (APUs) on trucks and other military vehicles. 

In May of 2010, Unitel delivered the first of its latest computer-controlled catalyst testing and evaluation systems – CTS Version 8, the Octave – to the University of Louisville’s Conn Center for Renewable Research and Environmental Stewardship (CCRRES).  According to Dr. Paul Ratnasamy, Professor at CCRRES, initial experiments with the Octave will focus on catalytic conversion of waste oils into fuels. Following that, Paul intends to test custom catalysts for making fuel alcohols from synthesis gas.