Air Mobility Fuel Cell Study.
Abstract
An analytical and test program was conducted to evaluate the fuel cell power concept for the Bare Base mission which was selected as an example of an air mobility application. A life cycle cost model was developed and the life cycle costs of candidate fuel cell power systems were compared to the present Bare Base centralized power system. A study and test program was conducted to determine the feasibility of desulfurizing military JP-4 fuel and a powerplant test program was also conducted to evaluate operation on JP-4 fuel to meet typical air mobility loads. Study results verified that dispersed fuel cell power systems offer potential operational advantages in system installation, operation, and maintenance and are economically competitive with existing centralized power systems. The desulfurizer test program demonstrated the feasibility of desulfurizing JP-4 fuel. Powerplant tests demonstrated the capability to operate on JP-4 fuel and the ability to provide power compatible with air mobility loads. A comprehensive field experiment was planned as a logical next step to confirm the economic and operational conclusions of the study and provided detailed design information for an air mobility fuel cell system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766757
Entities
People
- Jeffrey H. Arnold
Organizations
- Pratt & Whitney