APUs (auxiliary power units) that are devices designed to provide additional onboard power in vehicles, are believed to be an important entry point for FC (fuel cell) technology into commercial markets. Three technologies are under consideration for this market: SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells), PEMFCs (proton exchange membrane fuel cells) and DMFCs (direct methanol fuel cells). By using the concept of total addressable, potential and capturable markets, this paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of FC APUs (fuel cell auxiliary power units). A number of conclusions can be drawn. As FC APUs do not offer increased fuel efficiency when meeting electrical demand while the main engine is used for propulsion (as opposed to idling), applications on board transit vehicles such as buses seem limited. Potential markets begin to open up in vehicles that either have a very large electricity demand due to many high-energy onboard functions, such as luxury limousines, or that require electrical power whilst stationary. Examples in the latter category include law enforcement vehicles, recreational vehicles, and most importantly heavy duty trucks. Volume and start-up time seem to be the major technical challenges hindering the market penetration of FC APUs. However, whilst the functional benefits of FC APUs over existing technologies are limited, the former must also be able to compete on a cost basis. The intense activities of APU manufacturers suggest a confidence either in the potential for cost reductions or in the consumers' willingness to pay. Similarly, the involvement of a number of big truck manufacturers casts doubt on the extent to which incumbents are taken by surprise by competence-destroying, disruptive and radical technologies like FC APUs.


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    Title :

    Prospects of fuel cell auxiliary power units in the civil markets


    Additional title:

    Marktaussichten für Brennstoffzellen-Hilfsstromaggregate


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    International Journal of Hydrogen Energy ; 32 , 17, Fuel Cells ; 4306-4318


    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    13 Seiten, 1 Bild, 4 Tabellen, 69 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English





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