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THE MARKET FOR FUEL CELL AUXILIARY POWER UNITS FOR HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL VEHICLES: FIRST WIDESPREAD APPLICATION OF FUEL CELLS IN TRANSPORTATION?

Introducing fuel cells into market niches may be a promising near-term commercialization strategy. DaimlerChrysler and BMW are investigating the use of fuel cells for vehicle auxiliary power, and several manufacturers are exploring mild-hybrid vehicle applications that may also be appropriate for fuel cells. This paper addresses what could prove to be the first major commercial market niche for fuel cells in vehicles--their use as auxiliary power units (APUs) in heavy-duty vehicles. The use of fuel cell APUs is especially compelling because it not only reduces energy and environmental impacts, but has the potential to reduce costs and improve driver safety (by reducing noise and vibration for sleeping drivers). Thus, unlike many technologies that benefit either the public or private interests, APUs have the potential to serve both. Widespread idling of main and auxiliary heavy-duty truck engines consumes significant amounts of diesel fuel, emits large amounts of pollution, accelerates engine wear and tear, and causes considerable noise and vibrations. Many heavy-duty long-haul trucks idle during driver rest periods for long periods (up to 40% of engine run time). Other local vehicles may idle during and between deliveries. The engines power climate control devices (e.g., heaters), sleeper compartment accessories (e.g., refrigerators, microwave ovens, and televisions), and auxiliary equipment. Main and auxiliary engines idle for power take off operations and refrigeration units. This paper explores how APUs might be attractive in trucks. The authors assess the potential market for heavy-vehicle fuel cell APUs, addressing APU performance requirements, driver acceptance issues, implementation barriers, and costs. The analysis yields several qualitative generalizations. First, the potential APU market is significant. It includes line-haul trucks which idle during rest periods, delivery trucks with long idle times, power take off operations, refrigeration units, recreational vehicles, and emergency equipment. Second, reliability and durability requirements are clear, but performance demands, APU power output, size, and weight, will vary with application. Third, in addition to cost, potential barriers include driver convenience, comfort, culture, fuel availability, truck design limitations, and competing products. Not surprisingly, costs are likely to be a pivotal factor. Quantitative cost-effectiveness assessments and market penetration estimates are hindered by the lack of knowledge of truck operations (e.g., idle duration, location, and fuel consumption) and uncertainties in future fuel cell costs.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 161-174

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00962791
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309085713
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Sep 4 2003 12:00AM