The StarFuel System is both an integrated solar-hydrogen energy conversion pilot power plant, and a test station for the acquisition of characteristic data from its state of the art components and their interactions. The Hydrogen Utilization Module was built in 1995 around a 130 Watt Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell from A. F. Sammer, and in 2000 supplied a 30 Watt PEM fuel cell from H Power, both of which have been returned to their manufacturers. This work is focused around the redesign of the Hydrogen Utilization Module to include three BCS Technology 10 Watt hydrogen-air PEM fuel cells, enhancing its role as a fuel cell test stand as well as replacing a key component needed for the realization of the system's original concept. |