BFRL: Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Residential Fuel Cell Performance Evaluation Program

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Overview

Fuel cells are a quickly advancing technology that promises a more efficient and environmentally friendly electricity source. Fuel cells produce DC electricity from hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction. Residential fuel cell systems are being developed for installation at a home or small commercial location. They will have the ability to work with the existing electricity grid or provide all the electricity for the residence. Most residential fuel cell systems convert natural gas, propane, or other hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen through a reformer. The hydrogen is then used by the fuel cell to create DC electricity, and an inverter transforms the DC electricity to AC electricity to provide power for a residence. Additionally, many residential fuel cell systems have the capability to heat domestic hot water, which increases the overall efficiency of the system.

NIST has developed a test facility to measure the performance of residential fuel cell systems. The test facility will be used to create a test procedure and rating methodology that will determine the annual performance of these systems on a seasonal basis. Residential electrical and domestic hot water loads vary on a seasonal and geographical basis. To provide consumers with the information to make an informed economic decision concerning the purchase of a fuel cell system requires more than a single steady state power rating. The test procedure and rating methodology that NIST is developing will provide consumers with a more meaningful rating of the system's performance. This rating will be similar to the yellow "Energy Guide" stickers on many household appliances, such as water heaters, clothes washers, refrigerators, etc.

NIST is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce

Date created: 1/3/2003
Last updated: 1/3/2003