Asysl - SOFC APU system development I

In the scope of the ASysI project the partners will investigate system technology for SOFC APUs with metal-supported stacks. For this purpose a 2-3kW stand alone SOFC APU system will be built-up and tested (e.g. 1000h load profile test&vibration tests). In parallel, a systematic durability and reliability analysis will be performed where dominant failure mechanism will be modelled and accelerated test methods identified. The project ASysI has 4 major objectives: 1. Realization of a stand alone 2-3kW SOFC APU system with metal-supported stacks and anode recirculation with a hot gas anode recirculation blower 2. Analysis and modelling of dominant failure mechanism with the aim to derive accelerated test methods 3. Elaboration of electrical, thermal and mechanical vehicle integration concepts 4. Identification of optimized operating procedures, in particular of a regeneration procedure to remove contaminants out of the system. In work packages 1+3, the requirements and specifications for SOFC APU systems will be elaborated together with partners from the US Truck industry. In parallel vehicle integration concepts will be investigated. For the final system test, a vibration load profile will be recorded with a truck operated on a bad road track. Work package 2 is dedicated to a systematic durability and reliability analysis. Starting with a FMEA on system level, the AVL Load Matrix method will be applied. Based on MSC single cell tests dominant failure mechanism will be tested, analyzed and physical models will be elaborated. Based on these failure models accelerated test methods will be defined. In work package 4, an integrated 2-3kW SOFC APU system with metal-supported stacks will be built-up. The system will be operated fully stand alone and with conventional diesel fuel. For cathode air supply and the hot gas anode recirculation blower, highly efficient radial blowers will be used. The target net electrical efficiency of the system is 30%. In work package 5, operating procedures and control algorithms for the SOFC APU system will be investigated and implemented in a control unit. The operating procedures and states will be tested and optimized with MSC single cells. In the focus of this work package is the realization of a new (unique) system internal regeneration procedure to remove contaminants out of the system. Finally in work package 6, a 1000h load profile test (with an accelerated load profile out of work package 2) of the SOFC APU system will be performed. Additionally a 2D vibration test with the complete SOFC APU system will be carried out.