TSRC

Biofuels are widely touted as viable, albeit not straightforward, alternatives to petroleum-derived fuels. To best determine their utilization, many practitioners turn to life-cycle assessment (LCA) to ascertain the “environmental footprint”. Although parameters such as resource and land use, along with infrastructure, can be incorporated into LCA algorithms, many have noted that the methodological approach still needs careful attention. In this Feature, McKone et al. outline seven grand challenges that need to be engaged and surmounted to provide the best way forward for biofuel use.

The idling of heavy-duty trucks results in additional emissions, fuel consumption, and cost. Small fuel cell auxiliary power units (APUs) (now in development) are promising alternatives to idling the main engine. A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) APU is particularly attractive, because in conjunction with a reformer, it could operate on widely available diesel fuel. Because fuel cell APUs may not only reduce environmental impacts, but also reduce operating costs, this application has been cited as an attractive early market niche for fuel cells. Our objective is to determine whether SOFC APUs...

Several major automakers are preparing to produce and sell hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in the 2015-2017 timeframe. These sales are projected for international markets, led by the United States, Europe, Japan, and other parts of Asia, and are arranged around various “joint development” consortia. Unlike other types of hybrid and full electric vehicles that rely upon widely available gasoline and electricity infrastructure to refuel, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles require a novel hydrogen fuel-dispensing infrastructure. Much progress has been made in developing codes and standards for...

This study examined driver acceptance and performance of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as tested in real-world conditions over a two-year period. The study sample was a volunteer group of “n = 54” drivers who drove the vehicle for a month-long trial period. Each driver took ‘before’ and ‘after’ surveys regarding their driving experience. Drivers drove an average of 1400 miles per month, and either witnessed and/or performed vehicle refueling 3–10 times during their test period. Key findings from the study include that: 1) 80% of study participant drivers found that the fuel cell...