AutoRE (Automotive Derivative Energy System). 2 Years in

Abstract

AutoRE is a multi- partner project funded under the FCH-JU FCH-02.5-2014 call, aimed at demonstrating an automotive derivative fuel cell integrated with a natural gas reformer to make the required high purity hydrogen. The system prototype, to be demonstrated at GE’s Rugby site in the UK, has a targeted electrical efficiency of 38-40%, with parallel component developments, such as hydrogen separation membranes, undertaken to increase the efficiency of a subsequent commercial system to >45%. The market for the product will be 50-100kWe applications in industrial and commercial buildings in combined heat and power (CHP) mode. At this scale, the fuel cell based CHP system has potential cost of electricity and emissions advantage over competing technologies. The project is now in its third year, with the build of the prototype system significantly underway. This paper gives the status of the project as reported at the mid-term meeting.