Performance assessment and economic perspectives of integrated PEM fuel cell and PEM electrolyzer for electric power generation

Abstract

The study presents a complete one-dimensional model to evaluate the parameters that describe the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and PEM fuel cell. The mathematical modeling is implemented in Matlab/Simulink® software to evaluate the influence of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and overpotentials on the overall performance. The models are further merged into an integrated electrolyzer-fuel cell system for electrical power generation. The operational description of the integrated system focuses on estimating the overall efficiency as a novel indicator. Additionally, the study presents an economic assessment to evaluate the cost-effectiveness based on different economic metrics such as capital cost, electricity cost, and payback period. The parametric analysis showed that as the temperature rises from 30 to 70 °C in both devices, the efficiency is improved between 5-20%. In contrast, pressure differences feature less relevance on the overall performance. Ohmic and activation overpotentials are highlighted for the highest impact on the generated and required voltage. Overall, the current density exhibited an inverse relation with the efficiency of both devices. The economic evaluation revealed that the integrated system can operate at variable load conditions while maintaining an electricity cost between 0.3-0.45 $/kWh. Also, the capital cost can be reduced up to 25% while operating at a low current density and maximum temperature. The payback period varies between 6-10 years for an operational temperature of 70 °C, which reinforces the viability of the system. Overall, hydrogen-powered systems stand as a promising technology to overcome energy transition as they provide robust operation from both energetic and economic viewpoints.

Combustion and Performance Evaluation of a Spark Ignition Engine Operating with Acetone–Butanol–Ethanol and Hydroxy

“…Here we define the combustion chamber volumetric characteristics, which involve different volume contributions that incorporate operational and geometrical patterns to define the instantaneous volumetric displacement within each cycle [37]. Equation (19) gives the instantaneous volume of the combustion chamber.…”

“…Nonetheless, the carbon footprint of reforming-based production schemes features several challenges to contribute to greenhouse emissions minimization. Therefore, the role of hydrogen production via water-splitting and biomass technologies will be of increased interest in the mid-long term of the hydrogen market [19]. The continuous research on electrolyzers has facilitated the construction of sophisticated and feasible components that maintain proper operation, high-purity reactant agents, and reasonable production rates [18][19][20].…”

Development of IrO2–WO3 Composite Catalysts from Waste WC–Co Wire Drawing Die for PEM Water Electrolyzers’ Oxygen Evolution Reactions

“…For example, cost problems are one of the disadvantages of using hydrogen as a fuel in fuel cells in energy conversion systems. − Rare and expensive platinum group noble metals (Pt, Pd, etc.) are commonly used in fuel cells, and many researchers are working to reduce the cost of noble catalysts. , To reduce these costs, slow cell kinetics, high operating voltage, and high energy losses of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) should be eliminated by cheaper materials. One of the ways to obtain cheaper catalysts is recycling the components of energy conversion devices.…”

Experimental study of the potential for thermal energy recovery with thermoelectric devices in low displacement diesel engines

“…Internal combustion engines (ICE) are widely used in multiple applications, including transport, agriculture activities, industry, and power generation [1,2,3,4,5]. However, the increased exploitation of ICEs is one main driver of the accelerated depletion of fossil fuels and the large emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants [6,7,8,9]. Commercial vehicles represent around 38% of the global consumption of fossil fuels [10] while accounting for 16.4% of the global emissions of CO 2 [11,12].…”