Estimation of indirect CO2 emissions of a hydrogen-powered medium size vehicle for the NEDC cycle

Abstract

SUMMARYReduction in greenhouse effect gases emission is a major source of concern nowadays. Internal combustion engines, as the most widely used power generation mean for transportation, represent a large share of such gases, which motivates active research efforts for alternative solutions. In this regard, PEM fuel cells represent a promising prospect and are thoroughly investigated, whether experimentally or through numerical simulation.The present work presents a simulation of the power potential of a PEM fuel cell, which is integrated to the full power electric traction chain of a medium size car. The cell potential is modelled by taking into account the different types of polarization. The driving performances of the vehicle and its hydrogen consumption are evaluated through a simple mathematical model and an application is performed for the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard driving cycle. A preliminary sizing of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) membrane area for the chosen vehicle is presented, along with that of a hydrogen storage tank for a typical autonomy. The main goal of the simulation is to estimate CO 2 indirect emissions due to the production of the needed hydrogen for the cycle via an electrolyser, compared with the case of a gasoline fueled vehicle. This is performed solely on a 'fuel tank to wheel' basis in order to have comparable figures. The results indicate that the environmental advantage of hydrogen cars is quite questionable if hydrogen is produced using carbon-based energy sources.

Multi-objective optimization of operating parameters of a PEMFC under flooding conditions using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm

“…Therefore, PEMFC focus an important part of research and development. For instance, they are almost universally chosen to equip fuel cell vehicles of the future [1]. For example, Malekbala [2], have studied the effects of several operating parameters of the fuel cell system.…”