U. S. Fuel Cell Bus Evaluation Results[1]

L. Eudy[2], K. Chandler[3]

Abstract

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducts evaluations of fuel cell transit buses for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program.  NREL works with transit agencies, manufacturers, fuel providers, and the industry to validate hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles in heavy-duty applications.  The data collected and analyzed are used to verify performance targets and assess technology readiness.  Using an established protocol, NREL provides comprehensive, unbiased results on the performance, operation, and costs of the buses in comparison to those of conventional-technology buses used in the same type of services.  Transit fleets demonstrating this technology have shown fuel economy improvements of nearly two times that of conventional buses.  This paper provides an update of the progress and accomplishments of three transit agencies demonstrating a total of five fuel cell buses including AC Transit in Oakland, California; SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, California; and CTTransit in Hartford, Connecticut.  These agencies are currently operating hybrid fuel cell buses developed by UTC Power, ISE Corporation, and Van Hool.  Through the end of September, 2007, these five fuel cell buses had accumulated more than 110,000 miles in service with a fuel economy ranging between five and eight miles per kilogram.  The paper provides descriptions of the propulsion and fueling technology, operating performance, maintenance, cost, and overall experience with the buses.  Specific data results will be presented on fuel economy, mileage accumulation, availability, reliability, and operational costs.  The paper also includes a summary of the experiences with fuel cell buses and hydrogen infrastructure, lessons learned, and the industry's needs for continued successful implementation of this advanced technology.