AN ASSESSMENT OF FUEL CELL PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Major objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of fuel cells in vehicle propulsion systems and to recommend research and development in support of such applications. Technical and economic status of six major types of cells was summarized: Phosphoric acid, superacid, alkaline, solid polymer, molten carbonate, and solid oxide. Energy consumption of the various modes and their fuels were identified. Representative vehicles for each mode were selected and duty cycles identified. Assessments indicate an excellent application for fuel cells in fork-lift trucks. Other applications are not so easily justified. A decrease in air pollution could make use of fuel cells in urban delivery vans and city buses attractive. Automobiles, light trucks and intercity buses are only promising over the long term. Because of economic uncertainties, further studies are needed to assess application of fuel cell systems in freight locomotives and large marine craft. Small marine craft cannot be justified.

• Corporate Authors:

  Los Alamos National Laboratory

  P.O. Box 1663
  Los Alamos, NM  United States  87545
• Publication Date: 1983-11

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 184 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Buses; Energy consumption; Fuel cells; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Locomotives; Propulsion; Ships; Vehicle design; Vehicle power plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Justification; Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Applications engineering; Bus design; Lift trucks; Locomotive design
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Finance; Highways; Marine Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00386366
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: LA-9954-MS
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 28 1984 12:00AM