Operational Experience of an IT-SOFC/Battery Hybrid System for Automotive Applications

Testing of a 300-W stack supplied by Versa Power Systems Ltd. and a sodium-metal chloride (ZEBRA) battery was performed with a view to assessing the feasibility of combining an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell with a high-temperature battery for automotive traction applications. Field testing of a self-compressed stack is demonstrated, including consideration of the mechanical robustness of the technology. The battery system, comprising novel cell technology, is tested under pulse discharge and standard driving cycle conditions. Based on modeling studies previously performed, the performance results obtained, and the reliability of the respective technologies, development of a full-scale prototype is considered viable and ultimately commercially relevant.