Performance evaluation of a HT-PEM fuel cell micro-cogeneration system for domestic application

Fuel cell-based micro-cogeneration systems are seen to be one of promising technologies for distributed power generation for households. In this work, the operational performance of a 1 kW$$_{\mathrm{e}}$$e residential micro-cogeneration system based on a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) is investigated. A design concept of a system consisting of a fuel processing unit and power generating unit is implemented using mathematical models in gPROMS Model Builder$$^{\circledR }$$®. The objective outputs evaluated includes the energy outputs and their corresponding efficiencies (thermal and electrical) and the cogeneration efficiency. The fuel ratio, fuel flow rate, current density and fuel utilization were varied in order to examine their effect on the overall performance of the cogeneration system. Depending on the operating point chosen, the analyses of the system show that electrical efficiencies of 42.8%, thermal efficiency of 47.2% and cogeneration efficiencies of 90% can be achieved.