Field testing of DOD fuel cell power plants: Final report. [Four plants]

TL;DRAbstract

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

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