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Dynamic performance of an innovative multi-port heat recovery in megawatt-class PEM fuel cell cogeneration system

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  • Wu, Jintao
  • Hua, Zhipeng
  • Cao, Xianguang
  • Tang, Jiong
  • Cai, Shanshan
  • Tu, Zhengkai

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) are emerging as a prominent energy source for the future, due to their clean and environmentally sustainable characteristics. Large scale PEMFC coupled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology can serve multiple energy demands of user side and hold great potential for application in zero carbon parks. This study proposes an innovative multi-port heat recovery in megawatt-class PEMFC-CHP system. This multi-port heat recovery technology adds stack exhaust, air compressor, intercooler and converter heat recovery based on stack heat recovery. To prove the correctness of models, we conduct experimental testing and validation of stack exhaust recovery and other key devices. The dynamic response of key parameters are explored by varying operational conditions. The results demonstrate that increasing the water tank's storage capacity leads to a prolonged response time for its temperature. The suggested variable temperature control strategy reduces the maximum temperature difference of the stack coolant from 28.75 °C to 10.7 °C, contrast to constant temperature control strategy. Additionally, over the simulated current density range, the percentage of exhaust recovery in total heat recovery can reach 14.12 % to 19.33 %. Meanwhile, compared to traditional PEMFC-CHP systems, the proposed system achieves 11.18 % to 12.53 % improvement in integrated efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Jintao & Hua, Zhipeng & Cao, Xianguang & Tang, Jiong & Cai, Shanshan & Tu, Zhengkai, 2025. "Dynamic performance of an innovative multi-port heat recovery in megawatt-class PEM fuel cell cogeneration system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 393(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:393:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925008657
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126135
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    References listed on IDEAS

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