Molten Metal Anode Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Auxiliary Power Units Related to Transportation

摘要

The present disclosure relates to vehicle power systems, vehicles, and methods of providing auxiliary power to vehicles using molten metal anode solid oxide fuel cells other than internal combustion engines. The auxiliary power unit includes a container containing a plurality of fuel cells disposed therein such that when the metal anode is heated, the metal is electrically switched between an oxidized state and a reduced state by oxygen and fuel present in the molten metal, respectively. It is converted to a molten state that can be chemically cycled. The auxiliary power unit further includes a furnace that selectively provides heat to the fuel cell to place the anode in its molten metal state. The seal may provide fluid isolation between the molten metal within the container and the surrounding environment.