Efficiency and economics analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

Recently, interest in fuel cells has increased sharply and progress towards commercialization has accelerated. As a result, practical fuel cell systems are now becoming available and are soon expected to take a growing share of the markets for automotive power and generation equipment once costs fall to competitive levels. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells using pure hydrogen as fuel is employed to produce electricity due to some advantages, like simplicity, effectiveness, low operating temperature, easy maintenance. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells is a type of fuel cell which is attractive for low power levels and for application that need quick start up and response to load changes. PEM fuel cells as an alternative power source has its electrical efficiency and also power output directly related to the economics. It’s obvious that if to be used in automobile applications, the PEM fuel cells will have its efficiency and economics playing a vital role. Both the economics and efficiency is related. The relationship is being analyzed in this thesis with in depth understanding on the working concept of PEM fuel cell. The relationship is not a single value but it’s a function utilizing various parameters.