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In addition to high-profile fuel cell applications such as automotive propulsion and distributed power generation, the use of fuel cells as auxiliary power units (APU) for vehicles has received considerable attention. APU applications may be an attractive market because fuel cells offer some attractive features for APU applications and the APU market offers a true mass-market opportunity that does not require some of the challenging performance and cost targets required for propulsion systems for vehicles. In this paper we discuss the technical performance requirements for PEM and SOFC APUs, as well as the current status of the technology and the implications for fuel cell system configuration and cost.

Cost is one of the critical factors in the commercialization of PEM fuel cells in automotive markets. Arthur D. Little has been working with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Transportation Technologies to assess the cost of fuel-flexible reformer proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems based on near-term technology but cost modeled at high production volumes and to assess future technology scenarios. Integral to this effort has been the development of a system configuration (in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratories), specification of performance parameters and catalyst requirements, development of representative component designs and manufacturing processes for these components, and development of a comprehensive bill of materials and list of purchased components. The model, data, and component designs have been refined based on comments from the Freedom Car Technical Team and fuel cell system and component developers.