Comprehensive assessment on a hybrid PEMFC multi-generation system integrated with solar-assisted methane cracking

A hybrid proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) multi-generation system model integrated with solar-assisted methane cracking is established. The whole system mainly consists of a disc type solar Collector, PEMFC, Organic Rankine cycle (ORC). Methane cracking by solar energy to generate hydrogen, which provides both power and heat. The waste heat and hydrogen generated during the reaction are efficiently utilized to generate electricity power through ORC and PEMFC. The mapping relationships between thermodynamic parameters (collector temperature and separation ratio) and economic factors (methane and carbon price) on the hybrid system performance are investigated. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) are applied to environmental and economic performance evaluation. The results indicate that the exergy utilization factor (EXUF) and energy efficiency of the novel system can reach 21.9% and 34.6%, respectively. The solar-chemical energy conversion efficiency reaches 40.3%. The LCOE is 0.0733 $/kWh when the carbon price is 0.725 $/kg. After operation period, the GHG emission reduction and recovered carbon can reach 4 x 107 g and 14,556 kg, respectively. This novel hybrid system provides a new pathway for the efficient utilization of solar and methane resources and promotes the popularization of PEMFC in zero energy building.(c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A hybrid PEMFC multi-generation system model integrated with solar-assisted methane cracking is established. It consists of a disc type solar collector, PEMFC, and Organic Rankine cycle (ORC). Methane is cracked by solar energy to generate hydrogen, which provides power and heat. The waste heat and hydrogen are efficiently utilized to generate electricity through ORC and PEMFC. The system's performance is investigated by mapping the relationships between thermodynamic parameters and economic factors. The results show high exergy utilization factor, energy efficiency, and solar-chemical energy conversion efficiency. The system also achieves greenhouse gas emission reductions and low levelized cost of energy. After operation, significant GHG emission reduction and carbon recovery are achieved, promoting the popularization of PEMFC in zero energy buildings.