Field testing of DOD fuel cell power plants: Final report. [Four plants]
The field testing of four 40-kW fuel cell power plants at four military bases has achieved a number of important goals and objectives. The field test indicates that the basic on-site fuel cell technology is close to commercial viability. Two of the three main components, the fuel processor and power section, performed well without any major operating problems. Three sites experienced problems with the power conditioner section of the power plant, specifically the inverter. Inverter logic problems required these power plants to be operated at reduced load levels during most of the field test. Another area that needs improvement concerns unit coolant leaks and the periodic cleaning required for the power plant's water cooling system. Improvements must also be made in the conventional components selected for the auxiliary systems; i.e., pumps, regulators, valves, piping; as they caused many nuisance type problems. Average electrical efficiencies of 32% (based on the HHV of input gas) were achieved by all four units. Low audio noise was achieved by all four units, 60 dB(A) or less at 15 feet (horizontally) from the power plant. Electrical power output quality and the electrical protection characteristics were compatible with the electric grid. Thermal energy output was compatible with the site interfaces. A high availability of 81% was achieved by the unit at Elmendorf AFB. 23,713 hours of operation had been achieved by the four units as of October 1, 1986. The units at Ft. Belvoir and Elmendorf AFB will undergo extended field testing into 1988. As of October 1, 1986, the Elmendorf power plant had 8364 hours and Ft. Belvoir's had 7892 hours. The overall availability of the four power plants was 64% with the Elmendorf unit obtaining 81%, the highest in the DOE/GRI Fuel Cell Project.
- Research Organization:
- Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, CA (USA). Energy Systems and Conservation Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC21-82FE60040
- OSTI ID:
- 5909815
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/FE/60040-2374; ON: DE87006494
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
DoD Climate Change Fuel Cell Program
Analysis of fuel-cell power plants for DOD (Department of Defense) applications. Volume 1. Final report, 3 February 1986-31 March 1987