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A3-PROJECTS
A3 | A3 – Austrian Advanced Automotive Technology | A3 – Lighthouse Project – 1 st Call (2005)
BIO-SOFC DRIVE
Development and demonstration of a SOFC-battery hybrid drive powered by biogenous fuels
Development and fleet testing of fuel-cell
battery hybrid vehicles using SOFC fuel cells
and biogenous fuel. Comparison of different
propulsion technologies (diesel, diesel +
exhaust NO X reduction, fuel-cell electric
hybrid). Demonstration of the bio-SOFC drive
in ecologically-sensitive areas of use in
Austria.
Project management:
ALPPS Fuel Cell Systems GmbH
Project partners:
arsenal research GmbH, FJ BLT Wieselburg,
ÖGUT – Österreichische Gesellschaft für
Umwelt und Technik, CLIMT Claassen Industrie
Management Trading GmbH, ÖAMTC
Österreich, MLU – Monitoring für Leben und
Umwelt GmbH, Tourismusverband
Werfenweng, Blaguss Reisen GmbH, Graz
University of Technology – Vehicle Safety
Institute
46 Austrian Technological Expertise in Transport
The bio-SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) drive project is investigating an innovative and
environmentally-friendly vehicle drive – a fuel cell hybrid drive – in a small fleet test
using several vehicle platforms. A micro-tubular SOFC fuel cell is used as a range
extender for battery-powered vehicles, in order to achieve a significant improvement in
the biggest weakness in electric vehicles, namely their range. The implementation of a
SOFC system also makes it possible to use it as a charging device for the battery,
since the micro-tubular solution has already demonstrated the necessary dynamics and
cycle endurance.
An optimised battery and drive management system also improves the vehicle’s
propulsion system in that the greatest possible level of energy is recovered, lower fuel
consumption is achieved, and the load for the fuel cell is constant. Existing electricallypowered
vehicles are being supplemented with an „on-board charging device” which
continuously tops up the battery charge.
This produces the following advantages:
> Increased vehicle range by comparison with conventional electrically-powered
vehicles;
> Waste heat from the fuel cell can be used to heat the vehicle;
> The battery charge is topped up when travelling downhill, due to brake energy
recuperation, which results in an additional fuel saving.
Biodiesel is used as the fuel, thus the test can be carried out using the existing
infrastructure, including in outlying areas such as tourism-oriented communities. In
addition, tests are being conducted using other biogenous fuels. Small delivery
vehicles, minibuses, a boat and a measurement vehicle ensure that a qualified
assessment can be made regarding practicability in a representative range of
applications. Internationally, range extenders are viewed as a key future solution for
the fuel cell in vehicles, since the high-temperature fuel cell makes it possible to use
renewable fuels. Further investigations and analyses include user satisfaction, the
effects of fuel quality, comparisons with conventional propulsion systems and general
information about the benefits and applicability of the SOFC-battery hybrid drive.
Particular attention is also being paid to specialist support from independent agencies
which deal with safety issues, provide training for users, assess environmental impact,
etc. The project is running over two years, with the first year dedicated to the
preparation of the technical solution and the second year to the operation of the
vehicles. The aim is to demonstrate the suitability of this solution for practical
implementation.
Development steps planned:
In a first project phase the power needs for the „Range Extender” have been
established by simulating various possible operating conditions for cars and for buses.
In parallel with this, the possibilities for risk-free installation of the fuel cell have been
evaluated using crash test simulation and finally a real crash test.
In a further phase, two sample vehicles will be equipped with range extenders based
on IC engines. A modern exhaust treatment employing PF and DeNO X systems will be
installed to verify the principle and serve as benchmark for the fuel cell. In a later
phase the ICE will be replaced by fuel cells.