Design options for achieving a rapidly variable heat-to-power ratio in a combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell system (FCS)

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 106; no. 1; pp. 388 - 396
• Main Author: Colella, Whitney
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.04.2002; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Combined heat and power (CHP); Design; Electric power generation; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell system (FCS); Fuel cells; Fuel technology; Proton exchange membrane (PEM); Q1; Thermal and electrical efficiency; Variable heat-to-power ratio; Combined heat and power (CHP); Fuel cell system (FCS); Variable heat-to-power ratio; Proton exchange membrane (PEM); Thermal and electrical efficiency; Electric power production; Thermal efficiency; Performance; Fuel cell power plant; Heat production; Combined power plant
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)01061-8

This article calls for a change in paradigm within the fuel cells industry such that it focuses less on solely maximizing a fuel cell’s electrical efficiency, and more on a fuel cell system’s (FCS) overall combined thermal and electrical efficiency, as defined in relation to the instantaneous demand for heat and electricity. Based on market needs in the power generation sector, it emphasizes the need to develop FCSs such that they can achieve a heat-to-power ratio that can be rapidly varied. This article then delineates engineering methods to achieve a rapidly variable heat-to-power ratio for a combined heat and power (CHP) FCS.