Exergoeconomic Model of a PEM Fuel Cell

Abstract

This paper presents an exergoeconomic model of a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack. The model was calibrated using data from experiments performed in a 1.2 kW PEM fuel cell with varying load, operated at steady state. The exergy analysis was performed with fuel cell operation in the air stoichiometry range between 2 to 4. The results showed the system exergy efficiency varied from 26% to 39%, while the energy efficiency ranged between 37% and 56%. This range is slightly above the fuel cell data sheet from the manufacturer, which declares a rated energy efficiency of 48%. High pressure, temperature and cell voltage give better exergy efficiency. Variation of system temperature showed no significant impact on the exergy cost, as the PEM fuel cell operates at relatively low temperature in its load range not exceeding 174qC. The exergy cost of the system can be improved by adopting any combination of higher operating pressure, inlet air stoichiometry or cell voltage, which demonstrates a significant improvement in the exergy cost. By reducing the hydrogen cost from 6.7 $/kg to 1.9 $/kg, a 15 $/GJ decrease in exergy cost can be achieved.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.52202/069564-0109
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Engineering and Technology > Mechanical, Biomedical & Design
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)
Aston University (General)
Event Title: 36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems
Event Type: Other
Event Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Event Dates: 2023-06-25 - 2023-06-30
Uncontrolled Keywords: Exergoeconomic Analysis,Fuel Cells,Hydrogen,Mathematical Modelling,Numerical Simulation,General Engineering,General Environmental Science,General Energy
ISBN: 9781713874928
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2024 09:23
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2023 11:31
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: https://www.pro ... 64-0109open.pdf (Publisher URL)
http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Conference contribution
Published Date: 2023
Authors: Sodre, Jose Ricardo (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-2243-8719)
Omran, Abdelnasir

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