Fuel Cells
Delphi Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology
Delphi is focusing on the development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that generate electric power for commercial vehicles, stationary power generation, and military applications. The SOFC converts chemical energy in conventional fuels directly into useful electrical power without combustion resulting in minimal emissions. And with very few moving parts, it operates at a low level of sound.
As a result of its fuel flexibility, the Delphi SOFC can be engineered to operate with many types of fuels including natural gas, diesel, bio-diesel, propane, gasoline, coal-derived fuel and military logistics fuel. It will also be able to use tomorrow's next generation fuels.
Delphi began work on solid oxide fuel cells in 1998 and has been a leader in the technology ever since. Delphi is the only member of the U.S. Fuel Cell Council that has developed and demonstrated a practical, operational SOFC auxiliary power unit (APU) for heavy duty commercial trucks.
Delphi has partnered with private industry and leading academic institutions in the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology and has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Defense for fuel cell development.
Commercial Vehicle Applications
Delphi's solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit operates independently from a heavy duty commercial truck's main internal combustion engine to power in-cab electrical accessories such as cab lights, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and audio systems. Currently, operators power those features by idling their main engines or with diesel engine APUs. According to development testing, Delphi's SOFC APU can reduce fuel consumption by up to 85 percent.
In future applications, Delphi's SOFC APU will also be able to provide power to replace belt-driven components such as engine cooling fans and water pumps. Thus, it will remove loads from the primary engine, resulting in improved vehicle fuel economy and engine performance.
Delphi's SOFC APU can be incorporated into the architecture of a commercial vehicle by the manufacturer with minimal modifications. Operators will also appreciate the quiet operation of Delphi's SOFC APU.
Delphi is currently field testing its SOFC APU with several heavy duty truck manufacturers.
Delphi Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit
A demonstration model of the Delphi Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit
is shown mounted to a commercial vehicle.
