Fuel cell auxiliary power unit

A fuel cell auxiliary power unit (FC-APU) is a fuel cell based auxiliary power unit on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion. They are mainly used in trucking, aviation, marine and recreational vehicles.^[1]

In 2010 there were globally 3,100 fuel cell APU shipments.^[2]

Around 300,000 refrigerator trucks with auxiliary power units are on the road in the United States, according to a 2013 estimate.^[3] In recent years, truck and fuel cell manufacturers have teamed up to create, test and demonstrate a fuel cell APU that eliminates nearly all emissions ^[4] and uses diesel fuel more efficiently.^[5]

In 2008, a DOE sponsored partnership between Delphi Electronics and Peterbilt demonstrated that a fuel cell could provide power to the electronics and air conditioning of a Peterbilt Model 386 under simulated "idling" conditions for 10 hours. This solid oxide fuel cell can directly accept diesel^[6] using an integrated endothermic reformer.^[7] Delphi has said the 5 kW system for Class 8 trucks will be released in 2012,^{[needs update]} at an $8000–9000 price tag that would be competitive with other "midrange" two-cylinder diesel APUs, should they be able to meet those deadlines and cost estimates.^[5] In 2013, DOE announced a similar project giving grants to Nuvera and Plug Power Inc., though this project is based on hydrogen-powered fuel cells.^[3]

• RDSO started a project to develop fuel cell assisted Auxiliary power units in diesel-electric locomotives of Indian Railways.^[8]
• PowerCell is testing an autothermal reformer and a PEM fuel cell stack to convert diesel fuel into electricity for trucks.^[9]

• Refrigerator car
• Refrigerated container
• Trailer refrigeration unit