TABLE OF CONTENTS Although development and demonstrations of fuel cells in automobiles usually draw more attention, applications for stationary power generation offer even greater market opportunity. The drivers for both market sectors are similar higher efficiency and lower emissions. The system design for both applications is also similar in principle. The main differences are in the choice of fuel, power conditioning, and heat rejection [ [28]]. There are also some differences in requirements for automotive and stationary fuel cell systems. For example, size and weight requirements are very important in automotive application, but not so significant in stationary applications. The acceptable noise level is lower for stationary applications, especially if the unit is to be installed indoors. The fuel cell itself of course does not generate any noise; noise may be coming from air-and fluid-handling devices. Automobile systems are expected to have a very short start-up time (fraction of a minute), whereas the start-up of a stationary system is not time limited, unless operated as a backup or emergency power generator. Both automotive and stationary systems are expected to survive and operate in extreme ambient conditions, although some stationary units may be designed for indoor installation only. And finally, the automotive systems for passenger vehicles are expected to have a lifetime of 3000 to 5000 operational hours, systems for buses and trucks somewhat longer, but the stationary fuel cell power systems are expected to operate 40,000 to 80,000 hours (5 to 10 years).
Stationary fuel cell power systems will enable...
