Rok Stropnik (Author), Nejc Mlakar (Author), Andrej Lotrič (Author), Mihael Sekavčnik (Author), Mitja Mori (Author)

Abstract

Although proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems are expected to have lower environmental impacts in the operational phase, compared to conventional energy conversion systems, there are still certain economic, operational, and environmental setbacks. Durability under a wide range of operating conditions presents a challenge because degradation processes affect the PEMFC efficiency. Typically, life cycle assessment (LCA) of PEMFC systems do not include performance degradation. Thus, a novel semi-empirical PEMFC model is developed, which includes degradation effects caused by different operational regimes (dynamic and steady-state). The model is integrated into LCA through life cycle inventory (LCI) to achieve a more realistic and accurate evaluation of environmental impacts. Verification of the model clearly showed that the use of existing LCI models underestimates the environmental impacts. This is especially evident when green hydrogen is used in PEMFC operational phase, where manufacturing phase and maintenance (stack replacements) become more influential. Input parameters of the model can be modified to reflect technological improvements (e.g. platinum loading or durability) and evaluate the effects of future scenarios.

Keywords

fuel cells;proton exchange membrane;life cycle assessment;life cycle inventory model;degradation;operational regime;environmental impacts;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL FS - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
UDC: 621.352.6:502.171
COBISS: 105811203 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 0360-3199
Views: 22
Downloads: 17
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: gorivne celice;protonsko prepustna membrana;analiza življenjskega cikla;model inventarja življenjskega cikla;degradacija;obratovalni režim;okoljski vplivi;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 24223-24241
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ47
Issue: ǂiss. ǂ57
Chronology: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.04.011
ID: 16317286