Delphi's side-mounted solid-oxide fuel-cell auxiliary power unit

:

The first vehicle with a fuel cell to roll down the road is likely to be a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck, with a Delphi solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) mounted behind the fairings but turned off. When the big rig pulls in for the typical eight-hour rest stop, the SOFC will start up to power lighting and other accessories as well as heat for sleeper cab warmth in winter and electricity for sleeper cab air-conditioning in warm weather. The truck's diesel engine will not need to run for those purposes.

There are restrictions on engine idling in 25 states, and unless an over-the-road truck operator can pick spots for its drivers to sleep, it needs an alternative. Even in states where there are no laws regulating idle, operators must consider the cost: the price of up to 2000 gal (7600 L) of diesel fuel—about 1.0 gallon/h (3.8 L/h) for about 2000 h/year. It's a high price to pay and an inefficient way to provide climate control, lighting, and other comfort/convenience features for the drivers during off hours...





Click to Rear more: http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/enrg/8222