Análise ambiental da célula a combustível de membrana trocadora de prótons sob o enfoque da avaliação do ciclo de vida

Abstract

The energy is the fuel of growth and an essential requirement for the socioeconomic development. However, the current production model is based on fossil fuels, considered as threat to man and nature. As for, the relating to the human activities and their effects on the environment, they are handled by the implementation of a more rigid model of environmental control and the mobilization of the society in favor of technologies with less energy impact. In view of this scenario, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell-PEMFC has been recognized as a key for the vital need of a clean and efficient energy. Considering the conventional power generation system, their advantages during usage configure its application as an ideal option for several utilities, especially in the mobile sector. Even though, the focus on several environmental evaluations in energy systems is referred back to the initial stage of it use, the employment relating to production of the system and to final destination should be considered, since these also present impacts. In the case of PEMFC, their previous and subsequent phases of use are issues related to the platinum catalysts, which indicates an environmental importance that cannot be overlooked. In this sense, the Life Cycle Assessment has been used to understand and to question the risks and opportunities that are associated to certain product, starting from a systemic concept of their relationships with the environment. It is precisely in this context that the present research intends to present its major contribution, starting from an exploratory study towards the its objectives to provide an environmental analysis of such technology linked to post stage of powder-use of the membrane electrode assembly-MEA, concerning the platinum catalysts, on the subject of Life Cycle Assessment-LCA. To attain such aim, the relationships between energy, environment and development are presented and discussed, as well as, the Fuel Cell technology and the current studies on LCA of PEMFC. Several questions raised up on this issues have conthbuted in the development of a method of recuperating the PEMFC catalysts and, particularly, for its subsequent environmental evaluation. Among significant results are the importance of LCA, out lined as useful tool for perceiving the weight of environmental matters concerning the platinum and its subsidy strategies relating to the development, consolidation and to the innovation of PEMFC.

Avaliação do ciclo de vida de potenciais rotas de produção de hidrogênio: estudo dos sistemas de gaseificação da biomassa e de energia solar fotovoltaica

“…É neste sentido que a energia foi reconhecida como uma questão chave para atingir um desenvolvimento sustentável (UNEP, 2000;REIS & SILVEIRA, 2001, GRIMONI & UDAETA, 2004REIS et. al , 2005;FUKUROZAKI, 2006), no qual a acessibilidade e a provisão adequada são essenciais para erradicar a pobreza, aperfeiçoar o bem estar social e promover o crescimento econômico.…”

“…Independente da escala, os atuais padrões de geração e uso de energia são responsáveis por consideráveis impactos à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente (REIS & SILVEIRA, 2001GRIMONI & UDAETA, 2004FUKUROZAKI, 2006). No âmbito doméstico, cerca de metade da população utiliza combustíveis sólidos, tais como a biomassa e o carvão, para o aquecimento e cozimento em simples equipamentos, que produzem grande quantidade de emissões poluentes.…”

“…Na escala regional, precursores da deposição ácida, também resultantes da queima, são precipitados a quilômetros de distância do local de origemcomumente atravessando os limites de fronteiras nacionais (FUKUROZAKI, 2006).…”

“…Conforme verificado por FUKUROZAKI (2006), também há uma ausência de trabalhos e publicações nacionais sobre o uso da ACV na tecnologia de células a combustíveis (CaC), assim como, dos respectivos sistemas de produção de hidrogênio. Por outro lado, destaca-se que as conclusões obtidas no estudo anterior, permitiram dar um primeiro passo na direção de métodos que visem, dentre outros, minimizar os possíveis impactos associados a esta tecnologia.…”