Development of 3 and 5kW Fuel Cell Power Plants
Abstract
Phosphoric acid fuel cell power plants for use as tactical utility power sources have been developed. The power plants operate on 58% methanol-42% water fuel. Two fully automatic 3kW units were built, tested, and delivered. Thermal efficiency was 23% with AC and 26% with DC output. A brassboard 3kW power plant operating on neat methanol was also constructed, tested, and delivered. The methanol-water premix fuel cell power plant operates on a 1:1.3 molar mixture of methanol and water which is converted in a steam reformer, operating at 300 C, to hydrogen-rich product gas. The fuel cell uses 60 to 65% of the hydrogen to produce DC electricity, and the balance is combusted in a burner to supply heat required for the endothermic reforming process. The phosphoric acid fuel cell stack is air-cooled and operates at a temperature of 190 C. The fuel cell power plant is capable of delivering either regulated DC or AC electrical power through the use of interchangeable power conditioners. A microprocessor based controller provides event sequencing and system control during startup, shutdown and operation of the power plant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 12, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163603
Entities
People
- M. Farooque
- S. Abens