Modelling of an HTPEM-based micro-combined heat and power fuel cell system with methanol

Romero-Pascual, E. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Soler, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: A fuel cell-based combined heat and power system using a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell has been modelled. The fuel cell is fed with the outlet hydrogen stream from a methanol steam reforming reactor. In order to provide the necessary heat to this reactor, it was considered the use of a catalytic combustor fed with methanol. The modelling aims to fit the hydrogen production to the demand of the fuel cell to provide 1 kWe, maintaining a CO concentration always lower than 30,000 ppm. A system with 65 cells (45.16 cm2 cell area) stack operating at 150 °C and hydrogen utilization factor = 0.9 (with O2/methanol ratio = 2 at combustor; H2O/methanol ratio = 2 and temperature = 300 °C at reformer) needed a total methanol flow of 23.8 mol h−1 (0.96 L h−1) to reach 1 kWe, with a system power efficiency (LHV basis) ca. 24% and a CHP efficiency over 87%. The ability to recycle the non-converted hydrogen from the fuel cell anode to the combustor and to use the heat produced at the fuel cell for obtaining hot water increased the global energy efficiency.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.07.015

Año: 2014

Publicado en: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 39, 8 (2014), 4053-4059
ISSN: 0360-3199

Factor impacto JCR: 3.313 (2014)

Categ. JCR: CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL rank: 43 / 138 = 0.312 (2014) - Q2 - T1
Categ. JCR: ENERGY & FUELS rank: 25 / 89 = 0.281 (2014) - Q2 - T1
Categ. JCR: ELECTROCHEMISTRY rank: 7 / 27 = 0.259 (2014) - Q2 - T1

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Química (Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb.)