Improving Lifetime and Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Truck APUs

Research Project, 2014 – 2016

Currently, several hundred thousand trucks are idling for long periods to produce electricity. This waste of fuel can be eliminated by an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) using SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) technology. To fulfil the stack lifetime and cost efficiency requirements, the metallic interconnect is the key. This project tries to mitigate three main causes of stack degradation in relation to the interconnects, cathode side oxidation, chromium evaporation and anode side oxidation, that diminishes power output and can lead to stack failure. The idea behind the proposal is to resolve these issues in a cost-effective way, using standard ferritic FeCr strip steel protected by multi-layered nanocoatings. The main applicant is Chalmers (project coordination, corrosion and chromium volatilization). Sandvik Materials Technology AB, who possesses a PVD roll-to roll process capable of cost effective production of nanocoated steels, will provide and develop the materials. The stacks will be built and tested by Topsoe Fuel Cells. Volvo AB is responsible for system and vehicle integration aspects. The project will run for three years at a total cost of 8.2Mkr.

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