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Test results of IFC's ambient-pressure fuel cell engines that demonstrate their efficiency weight and volume benefits are reported. Results of IFC's success in converting California Reformulated Phase II pump-purchased gasoline to fuel cell grade hydrogen are also presented. Application and evaluation of IFC power plants in vehicles is discussed.

Fuel cell development at United Technologies Corporation has pioneered the successful application of fuel cell power plants for space craft electrical power and for stationary electric generation in building applications. A major effort is now underway to utilize proprietary Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack technology and fuel processing technology in power plants designed for application to vehicles. This activity is carried out at International Fuel Cells, LLC which was formed by United Technologies specifically to pursue transportation applications of its fuel cell technology. This paper reports on the status of development and demonstration activities for automobile and bus applications. A 100 kW, methanol-fueled power plant is providing power for operation of a 18 meter transit bus. This 1727 Kg power plant has achieved impressive efficiency, response and emission characteristics in testing to date.

The work described here reports the results of International Fuel Cells' development and testing of fuel processors capable of generating hydrogen from gasoline, methanol and other fuels intended for automotive service. The results provided describe the characteristics of both complete fuel processors and individual fuel processing train elements and components. The work we are conducting is being done in cooperation with automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturers. The direction is set by their needs, and the market picture they need to address. Our conclusion from this work is that a practical automotive fuel processor for the generation of PEM fuel cell quality hydrogen from California Reformulated Gasoline Phase II can be based on a process train consisting of an in-line desulfurizer, auto thermal reformer, shift converter and selective oxidizer.