Diesel-Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Units for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

摘要

This paper explores the potential of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as 3―10-kW auxiliary power units for trucks and military vehicles operating on diesel fuel. It discusses the requirements and specifications for such units, and the advantages, challenges, and development issues for SOFCs used in this application. Based on system design and analysis, such systems should achieve efficiencies approaching 40% (based on the fuel's lower heating value), with a relatively simple system configuration. The major components of such a system are the fuel cell stack, a catalytic autothermal reformer, and a spent gas burner/air preheater. Building an SOFC-based auxiliary power unit is not straightforward, however, and the tasks needed to develop a 3―10-kW brassboard demonstration unit are outlined.