Assessment of Hydrogen-fueled Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for Distributed Generation and Cogeneration

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are highly efficient power generators, achieving up to 50-60% conversion efficiency, even at sizes of a few kilowatts. PEMFCs have zero pollutant emissions when fueled directly with hydrogen, and near zero emissions when coupled to reformers. These attributes make them potentially attractive for a variety of applications including electric vehicles and distributed generation and cogeneration of heat and power in buildings. Over the past few years, there have been intense efforts worldwide to develop low-cost PEMFC systems. While the primary focus has been on vehicle applications, an equally important application may be combined heat and power generation in commercial and residential buildings. In this progress report (covering the period July 1999-May 2000), we summarize results from ongoing technical and economic assessments of hydrogen-fueled proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems for distributed generation and cogeneration in residential markets . The objective of this research is to understand the prospects for hydrogen fueled PEMFC cogeneration technology for residential applications, and to identify the conditions under which hydrogen fueled PEM fuel cells might compete with other distributed generation options. Engineering and economic models of PEM fuel cell systems are developed for a variety of configurations. Using realistic load profiles for single and multi-family residential buildings, we size the system components and estimate the cost of producing electricity and cogenerated heat for a range of PEMFC costs, energy prices, and system sizes. The potential impact of distributed benefits will be addressed in future work under this contract. This work was carried out as part of the systems analysis activity of the US Department of Energy Hydrogen R&D Program under Contract No. DE-FG01-99EE35100.