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Performance evaluation of a biodiesel-methanol dual-fuel high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell cogeneration system for marine applications

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Sibo
  • Ha, Chan
  • Li, Chengjie
  • Leng, Shuang
  • Xu, Shiyi
  • Li, Chenghao
  • Xiu, Xinyan
  • Dang, Chaolei
  • Wang, Cong
  • Qin, Jiang

Abstract

In response to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for shipping, this study proposes a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) cogeneration system utilizing biodiesel-methanol dual-fuel. The system aims to enhance the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of marine power systems. Biodiesel is converted into hydrogen-rich syngas via autothermal reforming, while the residual heat drives methanol steam reforming. This configuration enables cascading waste heat utilization and fuel complementarity. The performances of single-fuel and dual-fuel systems are compared using an energy-economy-environment (3E) analysis. Results indicate that the dual-fuel system achieves a power generation efficiency of 40.85 %, representing a 9.99 % increase over the single-fuel system. Combined heat and power (CHP) efficiency rises by 2.81 %–82.95 %, and power generation increases by 101.33 % (reaching 855.10 kW). Life cycle assessment reveals that the green methanol pathway reduces carbon emissions by 55.41 % (to 294.58 g/kWh) compared to conventional diesel. Optimal operating parameters, determined via NSGA-II multi-objective optimization, further improve power generation efficiency to 47.06 %–15.20 % higher than the design operating point. This system presents a new technical pathway for ship decarbonization through multi-fuel complementarity and efficient waste heat recovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Sibo & Ha, Chan & Li, Chengjie & Leng, Shuang & Xu, Shiyi & Li, Chenghao & Xiu, Xinyan & Dang, Chaolei & Wang, Cong & Qin, Jiang, 2025. "Performance evaluation of a biodiesel-methanol dual-fuel high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell cogeneration system for marine applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225042525
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138610
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