Fuel Cell Introduction into a Class 8 Truck

A state-of-the-art Peterbilt 385 tractor was specified and procured for a multiphase program designed to develop a fuel cell powered class 8 tractor. Five fuels were used in baseline engine exhaust emissions testing of the tractor and for baseline performance determinations of the vehicle. The alternative fuels (a 820 biodiesel blend, synthetic FischerTropsch diesel) and a ultra low sulfur CARS equivalent diesel fuel achieved significantly lower emissions test results than the baseline United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification diesel fuel. A petroleum JP-8 aviation turbine fuel demonstrated higher unburned hydrocarbons than the EPA certification fuel but this is thought to be due primarily to the low viscosity of the JP-8 interfering with fuel injector efficiency. Vehicle acceleration performance with the alternative fuels was so similar to the EPA certification fuel that It is doubtful that drivers would notice the difference. A baseline computer model of the vehicle using Rapid Automotive Performance Tool for Optimization and Reporting (RAPTOR) software was run and validation against the baseline emissions runs seems to be quite good. A Rapid Prototype Electronic Control System (RPECS) to control the tractor, hydrogen system and fuel cells was designed to be capable of handling the next two years' equipment as well as the future full-scale diesel reformer/fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle. A ProEngineer Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the tractor and hydrogen fuel system was prepared to facilitate placement of new components on the tractor. Electrification of engine loads including the engine cooling system and air conditioning system were studied. Two each 2.5 Kilowatt (kW) Solid Oxide Fuel Cell APUs were received in October 2002. SwRI began to define vehicle interface requirements based on input from General A hydrogen storage and supply system was physically installed on the Peterbilt tractor and a plan for modeling was initiated. Prepared in cooperation with th Southwest Research Inst, San Antonio, TX, Stavinoha Enterprises, San Antonio, TX, and SunLine Services Group, Thousand Palms, CA.