Delphi Exhibits Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology At U.S. Department of Defense Earth Day Preview

TROY, Mich., April 17 -- Delphi Corporation will exhibit its Generation-2 solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) at the U.S. Department of Defense's (DOD) Earth Day event scheduled for Mon., April 21 in the courtyard of the Pentagon. This year's event will preview the American automobile industry's fuel cell vehicles and technology developments.

"Fuel cell development is one of the cornerstones of the military's transformation and our showcase of vehicles using this technology underscores our continued partnership progress with industry to bring dual use technologies forward quickly," said Acting Secretary of the Navy H. T. Johnson, the sponsor for the day's activities. "The Army's National Automotive Center in Warren, MI, is our catalyst with industry. Their programs reach across the joint services spectrum and academia and include multi-agency initiatives with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Transportation."

"At this event, Delphi is showing its next generation SOFC that has the ability to use alternate fuels and is designed to work with special fuel used by the military (JP-8 logistics fuel)," said Dr. Jean Botti, chief technologist, Delphi's Dynamics and Propulsion Innovation Center. "Delphi's SOFC includes increased power density for the military in a lightweight package. It also gives soldiers more autonomy in the field, because along with generating electricity, it produces potable water after filtration."

Delphi is developing multiple applications for both commercial and military SOFC systems, including:

* A lightweight, personal-backpack auxiliary power unit (APU) system providing from 100 watts to 1kW of electric power.

* Quiet power-generator systems for outdoor field support to assist base camps and field operations.

* Truck or vehicle-mounted APUs for electric power, which are independent of engine operation, offering high efficiency and low-sound output.

* Vehicle propulsion systems for series-hybrid electric vehicles and range extenders for large electric vehicles.

Delphi's SOFC is multi-fuel capable using many hydrocarbon fuels and hydrogen along with diesel fuel and logistics fuel (JP-8) that are both required for military applications. It can be operated independently of a vehicle's engine for silent power or in conjunction with an engine for emissions reductions through use of the engine's reformed fuel. It produces water in the exhaust that can be condensed and filtered to support drinking water needs of military field personnel.

Several automobile manufacturers will have vehicles available for attendees to interact with during a ride-and-drive event. In addition, technology displays will be available from numerous automobile manufacturers and suppliers. A fuel cell powered bus currently in use in Georgetown, an area of Washington D.C., will also be exhibited.

Delphi has been developing fuel cell technology for the past 10 years and is a leader among industry-wide efforts to bring this technology to the marketplace. One effort involves a 10-year, $138 million development project with the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory to develop and test a SOFC auxiliary power unit design that can be mass produced at low cost.

For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Media Room at www.delphi.com/media .

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