Cape Henry Lighthouse Fuel Cell Evaluation
Abstract
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operates several hundred remote communications stations, radio navigation stations, weather stations and aids to navigation stations. Often these sites draw power from aging, inefficient power sources or unreliable underwater power lines, which are costly to repair and frequently out-of-service. Some of these sites are in environmentally sensitive areas, and in many instances, historical restrictions limit the use of solar panels. In the past few years, low power fuel cell systems have emerged as a potential option in the suite of remote power technologies. Fuel cells are highly efficient, environmentally benign devices that combine hydrogen and oxygen to create electric power. In order to assess the potential of fuel cells in an operational marine environment, the USCG Research and Development Center conducted a demonstration at the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach, VA. The Cape Henry installation used a three-kW direct methanol fuel cell. Placed in operation in March 2002, the system ran for approximately six months. Performance data such as fuel consumption, power output, and reliability were collected and compared with conventional technology. An evaluation of costs, safety, training, fuel logistics, etc., was conducted to assess the potential for future use of fuel cells at other Coast Guard operational sites. Results of this demonstration were mixed. Several problems with fuel supply and overheating were experienced. It was concluded that fuel cell systems were not ready for unattended remote operation at Coast Guard sites. However, the technology has significant promise and should be closely monitored by the USCG as manufacturers introduce more reliable systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418716
Entities
People
- Robert C. Desruisseau
- Stephen J. Allen
- Walter B. Lincoln
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center