INVESTIGADORES
AGUIRRE Pio Antonio
artículos
Título:
Effects of PEMFC operating parameters on the performance of an integrated ethanol processor
Autor/es:
JAVIER A FRANCESCONI; MIGUEL C. MUSSATI; AGUIRRE PIO
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
Editorial:
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Referencias:
Año: 2010 vol. 35 p. 5940 - 5946
ISSN:
0360-3199
Resumen:
In this paper the performance of a complete fuel cell system processing ethanol fuel has
been analyzed as a function of the main fuel cell operating parameters. The fuel processor
is based on the steam reforming process, followed by high- and low-temperature shift
reactors, and carbon monoxide preferential oxidation reactor, which are coupled to
a polymeric fuel cell (PEMFC). The goal was to analyze and improve the fuel cell system
performance by simulation techniques. PEMFC operation has been analyzed using an
available parametric model, which was implemented within HYSYS environment software.
Pinch Analysis concepts were used to investigate the process energy integration and
determine the maximum efficiency minimizing ethanol consumption. The system
performance was analyzed for the SR-12 Modular PEM Generator, the Ballard Mark V fuel
cell and the BCS 500Wstack. The net system efficiency is dependent on the required power
demand. Efficiency values higher than 50% at low loads and less than 30% at high power
demands are computed. In addition, the effect of fuel cell temperature, pressure and
hydrogen utilization was analyzed. The trade-off between the reformer yield and the fuel
cell performance defines the optimal operation pressure. The cell temperature determines
operating zones where the water, involved in the reforming reactions, can be produced or
demanded.