Advanced concepts engineering consists of the development and integration of enabling technologies. When a new set of technologies is discovered or invented, visionaries can imagine the potential impact on the world. When a technology can completely change the way we live, it is an enabling technology. Maturing these new technologies and integrating them into next-generation systems is the essence of advanced concepts engineering.

Fuel cells and metal hydrides (used to store hydrogen) are enabling technologies. Once the technological hurdles are overcome they can lead to a completely new paradigm of fuel use. Examples of integrated enabling technologies include the first hydrogen-fueled underground locomotive, the development of advanced hydrogen storage concepts for automobile applications, or even the use of fuel cells and hydrogen storage for robotics and microsystems. As each new system is completed, several new ideas emerge.

Contact:
Chris Moen
cmoen@sandia.gov
(925) 294-2140