PEMFC Poly-Generation Systems: Developments, Merits, and Challenges

Abstract

Significant research efforts are directed towards finding new ways to reduce the cost, increase efficiency, and decrease the environmental impact of power-generation systems. The poly-generation concept is a promising strategy that enables the development of a sustainable power system. Over the past few years, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell-based Poly-Generation Systems (PEMFC-PGSs) have received accelerated developments due to the low-temperature operation, high efficiency, and low environmental impact. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the main PEMFC-PGSs, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) co-generation systems, Combined Cooling and Power (CCP) co-generation systems, Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power (CCHP) tri-generation systems, and Combined Water and Power (CWP) co-generation systems. First, the main technologies used in PEMFC-PGSs, such as those related to hydrogen production, energy storage, and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR), etc., are detailed. Then, the research progresses on the economic, energy, and environmental performance of the different PEMFC-PGSs are presented. Also, the recent commercialization activities on these systems are highlighted focusing on the leading countries in this field. Furthermore, the remaining economic and technical obstacles of these systems along with the future research directions to mitigate them are discussed. The review reveals the potential of the PEMFC-PGS in securing a sustainable future of the power systems. However, many economic and technical issues, particularly those related to high cost and degradation rate, still need to be addressed before unlocking the full benefits of such systems.

Enhanced Performance of Sn@Pt Core-Shell Nanocatalysts Supported on Two Different Carbon Structures for the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Acid Media

“…PEMFC have reached important niche energy markets over the past years, such as the automotive industry, stationary power applications, and the so-called poly-generation systems [1,2]. PEMFC have relevant advantages over conventional systems based on fossil fuels, including the fact that the use of hydrogen (H 2 ) as the fuel leads to green electrochemical conversion devices [3], in addition to higher energy conversion e ciencies, and zero or very low greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions [1].…”

“…Despite these advantages, it is acknowledged that the cost of PEMFC systems must be reduced, aiming to be more successful in reaching broader markets [2,6]. Some breakdown studies indicate that catalysts may account for 41% of the total cost of a fuel cell stack on the basis of 500,000 units produced per year [7].…”

Improved performance of a residential combined heat and power system by integrating compact fuel processor and proton exchange membrane fuel cell

“…During the last 300 h, the FC-CHP system was run to maintain the operation of the units in the demonstration area shown in Figure 1. Compared with the research in reference, 19 the stability of the FC-CHP system was improved to a great extent. Its steady demonstration was carried more than 1000 h while the previous fuel processor was performed continuously for 380 h and operated with PEMFC only for 3 h.…”

“…The FC‐CHP, which in addition to electricity also provides heat with very high efficiency and low emissions, is a promising technology especially at small scale power production, which is typical for domestic applications 2,3 . Many researchers have paid attention to the FC‐CHP systems in recent years 1–21 …”

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Based Polygeneration Systems in Residential Applications: A Review of Technology, Energy Planning and Guidelines for Optimizing the Design

“…Other studies about the state of the art and technology reviews of polygeneration systems were discussed in refs. [13][14][15]. However, none of the review papers focused on the optimal development and preparation of polygeneration system design.…”