Auxiliary Power Systems

Another important area is the use auxiliary power systems (AFU), which are expected to be one of the first niche applications for fuel cells in the transport area. Auxiliary power today represents a significant portion of the power needs for transportation. Developments of AFUs may also have an impact in the stationary area. 

Rogers, W., Shekhawat, D., "Processing of Diesel for Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Systems",... 

Figure 5. Development of 500 W DMFC stack for auxiliary power system Single cell polarization and power plots.

IV.F.2 Assessment of Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Systems for Onroad Transportation Applications... 

GAE Glossary, Aircraft Engine Starting and Auxiliary Power Systems Aerospace... 

The System 80+ class IE Auxiliary Power System is designed in compliance with GDC 8 (Reference 4) so that inspection, maintenance, calibration and testing can be carried out with a minimum of interference with operation of the nuclear unit, as described in CESSAR-DC Section 8.3.1.1.3.2. Redundancy of design allows one system to be taken out of service for testing, and breakers can be racked out to the test position for this purpose. Indication of the system unavailability is provided in the control room. 

In the event of a power outage, equipment failure, or other emergency involving a foreseeable failure of the primary electronic system, OSHA would consider telephone transmittal of hazard information to be an adequate back-up as long as the SDS is delivered to the site as soon as possible. An auxiliary power system would also be acceptable to ensure that SDSs are retrievable in the situation of a general power failure. In emergencies other than failure of the primary electronic system, the SDSs must be available and OSHA would consider telephone transmittal of hazard information supplemental to the data sheets. 

In the SOFC systems, fuel and air enter the SOFC stack, and electricity, exhaust gas and possibly hot water or steam exit the system. Such systems Include atmospheric SOFC CHP systems pressurised SOFC/turbine hybrid systems atmospheric SOFC residential and auxiliary power systems and oxygen separating systems. The difference between an SOFC stack and an SOFC system is generally referred to as the balance-of-plant (BOP). BOP equipment may differ for each application, depending on the size of the system, the operating pressure, and the fuel used. 

A typical SOFC system takes fuel and air as the input and electricity hot water or steam is the main output. Major commercial organisations have shown interest and made large investments in this technology. They have come up with their own designs for different applications. Different SOFC systems include residential and auxiliary power systems, oxygen separating systems, pressurised SOFC or turbine hybrid systems, and atmospheric SOFC combined heat and power (CHP) systems. 

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