Energetic and exergetic analysis of a biomass-fueled CCHP system integrated with proton exchange membrane fuel cell

As a high-efficiency and eco-friendly way of energy conversion, fuel cell has received much attention in recent years. A novel residential combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system, consisting of a biomass gasifier, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack, an absorption chiller and auxiliary equipment, is proposed. Based on the established thermodynamic models, the effects of operating parameters, biomass mate-rials type and moisture content on the system performance are closely investigated. Overall system performance is then compared under four different operating modes. From the viewpoints of energy utilization and CO2 emissions, the CCHP mode has the best performance with corresponding energy efficiency of 57.41% and CO2 emission index of 0.516 ton/MWh. Exergy analysis results suggest that the optimization and transformation on the gasifier and PEMFC stack should be encouraged. Energy and exergy assessments in this research provide pragmatic guidance to the performance improvement of the inte-grated CCHP systems with PEMFC. This research also achieves a reasonable combination of efficient cogeneration, green hydrogen production and full recovery of low grade waste heat.(c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Fuel cells have gained significant attention as a high-efficiency and eco-friendly energy conversion technology. This study proposes a novel residential combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system, which includes a biomass gasifier, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack, an absorption chiller, and auxiliary equipment. By evaluating the system performance under different operating parameters, biomass materials, and moisture content, the CCHP mode is found to exhibit the best performance in terms of energy utilization and CO2 emissions. Exergy analysis highlights the need for optimization and transformation of the gasifier and PEMFC stack. This research provides practical guidance for improving the performance of integrated CCHP systems with PEMFC, enabling efficient cogeneration, green hydrogen production, and full recovery of low-grade waste heat.