Fuel Cell Systems for Mobile Power Applications

Thomas A. Trabold, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Sustainable Mobility, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology

Hopeman 224

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that can achieve much higher efficiencies than conventional systems based on hydrocarbon combustion. However, using fuel cells in mobile applications presents the additional complexity of transporting the primary fuel supply. Therefore, development of these technologies must take a systems approach that comprehends the integration of the fuel supply, on-board conversion to hydrogen, and the fuel cell stack itself. This presentation will provide an overview of key research developments related to fuel cells for applications in automobile propulsion, auxiliary power units (APUs) for heavy-duty trucks, and residential power systems. These applications involve three different fuel cell technologies (low-temperature PEM, high-temperature PEM and solid oxide), and primary fuels ranging from pure hydrogen to propane, diesel and biodiesel.