Cummins Power Generation has announced it has successfully demonstrated a Protonex-made, tubular solid fuel cell (SOFC) in an auxiliary power unit (APU) configured in a hybrid setup for Class 7 and 8 trucks.  The units provided “hotel loads” while running on a commercial ULSD (diesel) fuel.  The units run on both diesel and hydrogen, producing up to 3.8kWe.

The APU uses diesel fuel to run a small generator when high loads are required (air conditioning and the like) and otherwise uses only hydrogen fuel cells and a battery bank to power standard needs (lighting, small kitchenette devices).  The average net power output was 1.1kW DC (820W AC) in hybrid running mode.

Cummins Power Generation demonstrated the APU in Minnapolis as part of a U.S. Department of Energy EERE (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) project.  The demonstration APU combines the Cummins HQD hybrid power electronics with systems integration and fuel cell expertise from Protonex’ SOFC technology.

The units are meant to address stringent anti-idling policies in many states by offering a clean, low-emissions, and quiet alternative to idling a truck’s engine.

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