This Major Qualifying Project utilizes published reports on fuel cell performance to analyze the potential for fuel cells to power Auxiliary Power Units (APU) for large trucks. Information was gathered from the available scientific literature, idling reduction technology manufacturers, fuel cell manufacturers, press releases and sales information. Basic fuel cell construction is outlined, and an analysis of fuel cell configurations and fuel sources is performed. Market potential and maximum performance requirements are explored for a fuel cell based APU. Conventionally powered APU solutions are compared to a fuel cell powered solution. Future developments that could affect the potential for a fuel cell powered APU competing in this market are outlined.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wheeler, David Allen

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 02E009M

Advisor

• Bar-On, Isa

Year

• 2002

Date created

• 2002-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright