
The main objectives of the project are:
- 1 year thorough testing of SOFC APU prototypes from AVL and CCES
- Development and assembly of the final DESTA SOFC APU system, merging the most promising approaches of AVL and CCES SOFC APU concepts
- Off-vehicle tests of the final DESTA SOFC APU system regarding durability as well as reliability assessment under harsh operating conditions (e.g. vibration, salt spray)
- Long-term accelerated test of the final DESTA SOFC APU systems to assess the lifetime potential
- Truck integration and demonstration of a DESTA SOFC APU system on-board of a Volvo US type heavy duty truck
Specifically technical objectives demonstrated with the DESTA SOFC APU system:
- Maximum electrical power 3kW
- Operation on conventional road diesel fuel
- Expected lifetime verified in long-term tests and with statistical methods to reach >20,000h (20,000h lifetime is equal to ~5,000 APU operating hours in a typical truck operating profile)
- System electrical net efficiency around 35%
- System volume and weight below 150L and 120kg
- CO2 reduction of 75 % compared to engine idling of a heavy-duty truck
Start-up time of ~30min - Noise level ~65dB(A)