FUEL CELLS POWER DOD FACILITIES

摘要

In 2002, the Watervliet Arsenal in upstate New York served as the host site for ten 5 kW Plug Power fuel cell power systems providing electricity to power a telecommunications facility, a research and development laboratory and base housing. Table 1 provides system specifications. While the systems remained operational for almost 94 percent of the time during the year, exceeding the contract availability limit of 90 percent, the program faced a series of unexpected obstacles. The challenge to overcome each obstacle to shed considerable light on future projects for fuel cell use at military bases, industrial/commercial buildings and residences. The systems produced more than 214,000 kWh of electricity to support arsenal operations over the one-year life of the project during 2002, reducing the arsenal's energy bill for the year by nearly $6,000, as well as reducing their reliance on the grid. The program monitored each fuel cell for electrical efficiency and total availability, and posted monthly data on the Internet for anyone to view.