Delphi Fuel Cells
The energy crisis in 1970s triggered a worldwide demand for energy. Population explosion, industrialization of developing countries, limited supply of fossil fuels and alarming pollution levels have made it must for every country to develop alternative energy sources. Fuel Cells take first place in these sources. Today there are various types of fuel cells being developed. Each fuel cell has its own characteristics but work on similar principles. Delphi fuel cells is one of the top brands to hit the market.
Fuel cells produce electricity from an electromagnetic reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, using air and other catalysts. They exhaust mostly water vapor. On board supply of fuel limits the range of the vehicle. However, fuel cell powered and all electric cars are the panacea. Delphi Fuel Cells is producing Solid Oxide Fuel Cells as prototype auxiliary power units [APU] for heavy vehicles and cars. It converts gasoline into hydrogen rich gas and feeds it to a SOFC to generate electricity. They work with the engine on or off that need autonomous electric power.
A parallel trend in automotive design and one that could pave the way for fuel cells is electrification. Many cars already came with intermittent electrical accessories and systems. They are heated seats, power steering and brakes and heated windshields. Today engine driven alternators provide on board electrical power, which have lot of setbacks. Evolutions of dual voltage systems are the need of the hour to meet the added power demands. This is where the Delphi Fuel Cells come in the picture.
Delphi Fuel Cells prototype SOFC auxiliary power unit is sized to generate 5 kW of electrical power at 42 vdc to work with the engine on or off. Among the fuel cells, SOFC are real fuel omnivores. It can be made of non-noble materials and it can convert several fuels other than hydrogen. SOFCs are much more tolerant of impurities in the fuel stream. They operate at a very high temperature.
Delphi Fuel Cells Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells [PMEFC] are widely regarded as the technology of choice for automotive propulsion. With their high power density, temperature tolerances and fast load response is the ideal eco-friendly replacement for the traditional internal combustion.
Idling of heavy-duty diesel engines is a big problem. There is a lot of fuel wastage in this process. At long run the vehicle rests for hours. Even then the engine runs. It provides heat and electricity for the cab, sleeper compartment and on board equipment, in cool temperatures. Delphi Fuel Cells provide non-polluting, high efficient fuel cells to provide heat and electricity and reduce idling. Delphi has now tied up with the automobile giant BMW to develop state-of-the-art fuel cell. It generates electricity out of petrol. Delphi has also got tied up with Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance [SECA] to develop a complete fuel cell system management available at $ 400 per kilowatt.