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A discussion of the need for and the advantages of fuel cell systems and technologies is presented as is a description of the multi– / inter–disciplinary efforts currently underway at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) for fuel cell system development. As part of these efforts, the Virginia Tech GATE (Graduate Automotive Technology Education) Center for Automotive Fuel Cell Systems is collaborating in research and education with both government and industry. The current focus of the center is the development of research, laboratory and educational programs in support of the design and implementation of fuel cell systems technology in advanced vehicles. Five GATE Fellowships are being funded by the DoE at the center starting Fall of 1999.

Energy Partners developed, designed, built, and tested a 20 kWe automotive fuel cell stack, which was then used in Virginia Tech's 1999 Future Car Challenge hybrid electric vehicle. Performance of the stack on a “state-of-the-art” test stand at Energy Partners is compared to data taken while the stack was in operation in the vehicle. Overall, the stack in the vehicle performed as expected. The difference in performance may be explained by different operating conditions. System considerations, such as temperature, humidification, reactant stoichiometry, monitor and control software necessary for proper fuel cell operation, are presented and reviewed.

The Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team of Virginia Tech (HEVT) has integrated a proton exchange membrane fuel cell as the auxiliary power unit of a series hybrid design to produce a highly efficient zero-emission vehicle. A 1997 Chevrolet Lumina sedan, renamed ANIMUL H2, carries this advanced powertrain, using an efficient AC induction drivetrain, regenerative braking, compressed hydrogen fuel storage, and an advance lead-acid battery pack for peak power load leveling. The fuel cell supplies the average power demand and to sustain the battery pack state-of-charge within a 40-80% window. To optimize system efficiency, a load-following strategy controls the fuel cell power level. The vehicle weighed 2000kg (4400lb) and achieved a combined city/highway fuel economy of 9L/100 km or 26 mpgge (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent).