A retrofitted, PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) system was built and evaluated capable of providing more than 2.4kW of average power over a multi-day extended period. The system was constructed exclusively with off the shelf components at a total cost of approximately 35,000 dollars for materials. A summary of the specifications and performance comparison of the stock and APU systems is provided. Testing of the integrated system revealed that the power output of the system was adequate for typical appliances found in line-haul trucks. Supplying power to the A/C compressor was the most challenging power design aspect of the FC (Fuel Cell)-APU. This was because the A/C compressor required up to 4kW of power for under a second during startup, however only used around 1.2kW of power during normal operation. This behavior made it advantageous to incorporate energy storage components into the system. A hybrid battery/fuel cell system was designed that allowed the FC-APU to reliably start the highly inductive load demanded by the A/C compressor and to supply peak power demands from the user without using larger capacity fuel cells. Climate control testing performed under partially controlled conditions showed that the system was able to maintain a 36 deg C heating temperature delta between the sleeper and ambient, and a 11 deg C delta for the cooling system. This performance was reasonably close to the targets established by stock system benchmark testing and industry recommended best practices. However, in order to convincingly exceed these targets it would be necessary to increase cab insulation or utilize larger capacity climate control components.


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    Title :

    Development of a retrofit fuel cell auxiliary power unit for truck idle reduction


    Additional title:

    Entwicklung eines Nachrüst-Brennstoffzellen-Hilfsnetzgerätes für die Senkung der Leerlaufzeit von Lastkraftwagen


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    11 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 14 Tabellen, 20 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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