Argonne Completes Evaluation of DOE Fuel Cell System

Argonne National Laboratory has finished testing the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) first gasoline-fueled 50-kW complete fuel cell system, built by UTC Fuel Cells. The unit has its own fuel, air, and water management systems, and all the components needed to recover hydrogen from gasoline, create the necessary chemical reactions, and produce electric power. The tests were conducted at Argonne’s Fuel Cell Test Facility, which was established by DOE to provide a source of independent, standardized testing for all types of fuel cell systems as DOE and fuel cell developers move forward with fuel cell research.

Argonne's Fuel Cell Test Facility recently completed testing of this experimental 50-kW fuel cell system. It was developed for DOE's Fuel Cells for Transportation Program, where Nancy Garland is a project manager.

In February 2002, the fuel cell system was removed from Argonne’s test facility and returned to its builder, UTC Fuel Cells, for teardown. Argonne’s tests measured startup and response time as well as efficiency, and showed how the system behaves under constant and dynamic power demands, like those in driving.

Test results will help DOE use its resources to greatest benefit and to know where more work is needed. As DOE Program Manager Patrick Davis said, "[The Fuel Cell Test Facility] really lets you know where you stand, and where to focus R&D."

In February 2002, this 50-kW fuel cell system was moved out of Argonne's Fuel Cell Test Facility, headed for teardown. DOE's research goals are to reduce the size, weight and cost of cush systems to meet requirements for automobiles.

Argonne’s Fuel Cell Test Facility will play a key role for DOE and fuel cell developers under the FreedomCAR Partnership, whose goal is the development of emission- and petroleum-free vehicles. FreedomCar is a partnership between DOE and the U.S. Council for Automotive Research, which comprises Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, and DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

February 2002