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Exergy analysis of an integrated fuel processor and fuel cell (FP–FC) system

Author

Listed:
  • Delsman, E.R.
  • Uju, C.U.
  • de Croon, M.H.J.M.
  • Schouten, J.C.
  • Ptasinski, K.J.

Abstract

Fuel cells have great application potential as stationary power plants, as power sources in transportation, and as portable power generators for electronic devices. Most fuel cells currently being developed for use in vehicles and as portable power generators require hydrogen as a fuel. Chemical storage of hydrogen in liquid fuels is considered to be one of the most advantageous options for supplying hydrogen to the cell. In this case a fuel processor is needed to convert the liquid fuel into a hydrogen-rich stream. This paper presents a second-law analysis of an integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system. The following primary fuels are considered: methanol, ethanol, octane, ammonia, and methane. The maximum amount of electrical work and corresponding heat effects produced from these fuels are evaluated. An exergy analysis is performed for a methanol processor integrated with a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, for use as a portable power generator. The integrated FP–FC system, which can produce 100W of electricity, is simulated with a computer model using the flow-sheeting program Aspen Plus. The influence of various operating conditions on the system efficiency is investigated, such as the methanol concentration in the feed, the temperature in the reformer and in the fuel cell, as well as the fuel cell efficiency. Finally, it is shown that the calculated overall exergetic efficiency of the FP–FC system is higher than that of typical combustion engines and rechargeable batteries.

Suggested Citation

  • Delsman, E.R. & Uju, C.U. & de Croon, M.H.J.M. & Schouten, J.C. & Ptasinski, K.J., 2006. "Exergy analysis of an integrated fuel processor and fuel cell (FP–FC) system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(15), pages 3300-3309.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:31:y:2006:i:15:p:3300-3309
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2006.03.011
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Leo, T.J. & Durango, J.A. & Navarro, E., 2010. "Exergy analysis of PEM fuel cells for marine applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 1164-1171.
    2. Dimopoulos, George G. & Stefanatos, Iason C. & Kakalis, Nikolaos M.P., 2013. "Exergy analysis and optimisation of a steam methane pre-reforming system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 17-27.
    3. Al Arni, Saleh & Bosio, Barbara & Arato, Elisabetta, 2010. "Syngas from sugarcane pyrolysis: An experimental study for fuel cell applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 29-35.
    4. Salemme, Lucia & Menna, Laura & Simeone, Marino, 2013. "Calculation of the energy efficiency of fuel processor – PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell systems from fuel elementar composition and heating value," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 368-374.
    5. Kalmula, Babita & Kondapuram, Vijaya Raghavan, 2015. "Fuel processor – fuel cell integration: Systemic issues and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 409-418.
    6. Zanchini, Enzo & Terlizzese, Tiziano, 2009. "Molar exergy and flow exergy of pure chemical fuels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(9), pages 1246-1259.

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