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Techno-economic assessment and multi-objective optimization of a hybrid methanol-reforming proton exchange membrane fuel cell system with cascading energy utilization

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  • Cheng, Kun
  • Wang, Jinshuai
  • Shao, Yunlin
  • Fu, Lianyan
  • Wu, Zhengxiang
  • Zhang, Yuxin
  • Yang, Jiahao
  • Wu, Kaiyao
  • Zhang, Yang
  • Chen, Weidong
  • Huang, Xin
  • Ma, Chuan
  • Ran, Jingyu

Abstract

This article proposes an innovative tri-generation system aimed at improving the efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) combined methanol steam reforming (MSR) setups. The proposed system merges MSR-PEMFC with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and Latent-thermal energy storage (LTES) to produce heat, electricity, and purified water concurrently. The MSR process, using methanol and water, acts as a hydrogen source for the PEMFC. Waste heat from the reforming reaction and PEMFC exhaust gases is efficiently recuperated through ORC and LTES. Moreover, a composite phase change material comprising 8 % expanded graphite and 92% industrial paraffin wax is formulated for LTES, exhibiting a thermal conductivity of 4.65 Wm−1K−1. Parametric analysis of the methanol-reforming fuel cell system suggests a methanol to water mass ratio of 1.5 and a pressure swing absorption shunt fraction of 0.77. Multi-objective optimization of the recovery system using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II algorithm is conducted, with objective functions including tri-generation system exergy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, and total cost to evaluate system thermodynamic, environmental, and economic performance, respectively. The ORC system employing R245fa and R600 yields 27 % more electricity than the R152a-based system, with exergy efficiencies approximately twice as high. Compared to conventional systems, the proposed tri-generation system achieves an energy efficiency of 81 % and exhibits a 22 % enhancement in energy efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Kun & Wang, Jinshuai & Shao, Yunlin & Fu, Lianyan & Wu, Zhengxiang & Zhang, Yuxin & Yang, Jiahao & Wu, Kaiyao & Zhang, Yang & Chen, Weidong & Huang, Xin & Ma, Chuan & Ran, Jingyu, 2024. "Techno-economic assessment and multi-objective optimization of a hybrid methanol-reforming proton exchange membrane fuel cell system with cascading energy utilization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:313:y:2024:i:c:s036054422403634x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133856
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