Evaluation of fuel-cell technology for Coast Guard applications. Final report
Recent proposals and the literature show promise of fuel cells being commercially available in the next decade. We searched the literature to determine the current state of fuel-cell technology, to determine if fuel cells can be used by the U.S. Coast Guard, and to make proposals for possible research and development efforts by the Coast Guard. Alkaline and phosphoric acid fuel cell technologies are now technically capable of full scale commercial production. Molten-carbonate and solid-oxide fuel-cell technologies should be commercially produced within the next decade. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) technology is the most promising for Coast Guard use. However, there is no operational need for fuel cells at present and high capital costs and low-energy prices make them economically noncompetitive. We suggest three areas of R D to prepare for changes in operational needs or energy economics. They are: operation of a 200-kW PAFC cogeneration plant to gain fuel-cell experience; development of low-maintenance/high availability PAFC system for remote power; and development of fuel cells for or aircraft propulsion in case there is a strategic crisis in petroleum-distillate supplies.
- Research Organization:
- Coast Guard, Washington, DC (USA). Office of Research and Development
- OSTI ID:
- 5429241
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-210630/0/XAB; USCG-D-08-89
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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FUEL CELLS
USES
US COAST GUARD
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ECONOMICS
MAINTENANCE
OXIDES
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PHOSPHORIC ACID
PROGRESS REPORT
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
SOLIDS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
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300500* - Fuel Cells