Performance assessment and optimization of two novel cogeneration systems integrating proton exchange membrane fuel cell with organic flash cycle for low temperature geothermal heat recovery

In order to realize the collaborative utilization of the low-grade geothermal energy and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) waste heat, this study proposes two novel combined systems integrated PEMFC with organic flash cycle (OFC) driven by geothermal energy. And the proposed systems are named as the enhanced power generation (EPG) cycle which can produce more electricity output, and the combined cooling and power (CCP) that can provide more cooling capacity. The thermodynamic and economic models are established to study the combined system performance. And the results show that under given conditions, the total thermal efficiency of EPG and the CCP achieves 8.50% and 8.83%, while the total exergy efficiency is 36.77% and 34.11%, respectively. The exergy analysis shows that the components with the major exergy destruction in these two systems are flashers, condensers and boilers. Parameter analysis shows that the heat source temperature, condensation temperature, fuel cell operating temperature, operating pressure and current density have the key impacts on the proposed system performance. Furthermore, the multi-objective optimization and decision making for the two combined systems are carried out. And the five Pareto frontiers with different organic working fluids (R600, R123, isobutene, R245fa and butane) are obtained.(c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study proposes novel systems integrating PEMFC with geothermal energy, including EPG and CCP, which provide higher electricity output and cooling capacity. The major exergy destruction components in both systems are flashers, condensers, and boilers, while parameters such as heat source temperature and fuel cell operating temperature have key impacts on system performance.