Development of a Ship Service Fuel Cell

Abstract : Under a three-phase program sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), FuelCell Energy, Inc. is developing a 2.5 MW fuel cell power plant for ship service power generation aboard surface combatants. During the first phase, the conceptual design of the ship service fuel cell (SSFC) module was developed and critical component tests were performed. The second phase which was initiated in June 2000, will provide detailed design, construction, and performance testing of one of four 625 kW power modules which constitute the 2.5 MW SSFC power plant. Following testing at FCE's facilities in Danbury, CT, the module will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in Philadelphia, PA for additional land-based testing. The power module will then undergo at-sea testing during the third phase of the program scheduled for 2003-2004.