Delphi solid oxide fuel cell APU named to EPA’s emerging technology list

Delphi Automotive’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) has been designated an Emerging Technology by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizing the technology as a potentially effective and efficient way to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty commercial trucks. (Earlier post.)

As a result of the SOFC APU being added to the Emerging Technology list, it now is approved for use in Emerging Technology Program grants on highway class 8 tractors equipped with sleeper compartments and powered by heavy-duty diesel engines certified to 2007, 2008 or 2009 model year emission standards.

Delphi’s SOFC APU utilizes diesel fuel from the truck’s main tank to generate electricity to power equipment in the truck’s cab, including air conditioning, television, refrigerator and microwave. Currently, drivers and fleets power those accessories by idling their main engines or with diesel engine APUs.

The EPA’s Emerging Technology Program supports development of new technologies that reduce diesel emissions from existing fleets and provides manufacturers, such as Delphi, with feedback from fleet partners on their technology while getting real road experience. According to the EPA, heavy-duty trucks and buses today account for about one-third of NOx emissions and one-quarter of particulate from all highway cars and trucks, even though they only represent 2% of the total number of vehicles on the road.

During the next year, Delphi will continue to prove the technology’s durability and performance as it progresses toward the next step with the EPA—moving from an emerging technology to the agency’s Verified Technology List. According to the EPA, a technology can be placed on the Verified List only after significant levels of emission reductions are proven through a thorough technical review and tightly controlled testing. Inclusion on the EPA’s Verified Technology List would mean the agency approves of Delphi’s SOFC APU for use in diesel retrofit programs.