Delphi will develop, test and demonstrate a 3- to 5-kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit for heavy duty commercial class 8 trucks. The demonstration will improve upon Delphi’s current generation SOFC technology by increasing net output power and fuel processing efficiency, decreasing heat loss and parasitic power loss, and establishing diesel fuel compatibility.

“Investing in fuel cell technology is vital to our state’s continued leadership in the emerging green economy,” said Stabenow. “I am pleased that this recovery funding will help provide Delphi Automotive with the resources necessary to build advanced technology vehicles here at home while creating good-paying jobs.”

“Developing marketable fuel cell technologies is critically important to our manufacturing base and to efforts to build the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles right here in Michigan,” said Levin. “I am pleased that this funding has been allocated swiftly toward such an important program, and hopeful that it will help spur growth in this important industry.”

The Delphi award comes as part of $41.9 million in ARRA funding for 13 projects nationwide to deploy fuel cells and help build a consumer base for U.S. fuel cell manufacturers. The funding will support immediate deployment of nearly 1,000 fuel cell systems for emergency backup power and material handling applications (e.g., forklifts) that have emerged as key early markets in which fuel cells can compete with conventional power technologies. Additional systems will be used to accelerate the demonstration of stationary fuel cells for combined heat and power in the larger residential and commercial markets.

More information on DOE fuel cell programs can be found at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells.

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