Performance Analysis Based on Sustainability Exergy Indicators of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are crucial for efficient energy conversion.
• Understanding thermodynamic irreversibility is key to optimizing HT-PEMFC performance.
• Exergy analysis provides a robust framework for evaluating energy system efficiency and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an irreversible HT-PEMFC model based on finite-time thermodynamics.
• To derive mathematical expressions for exergy efficiency, exergy destruction index (EDI), and exergy sustainability indicators (ESI).
• To investigate the impact of thermodynamic irreversibility and operating parameters on HT-PEMFC exergy sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Finite-time thermodynamics principles were applied to model an irreversible HT-PEMFC.
• Mathematical derivations were performed for key exergy-based performance metrics (exergy efficiency, EDI, ESI).
• Simulations were conducted to analyze the influence of operating temperature, inlet pressure, and current density on exergy sustainability.

Main Results:

• Higher operating temperatures and inlet pressures were found to enhance HT-PEMFC performance.
• Increased current density led to a gradual decrease in single-cell performance due to irreversibility.
• The study quantified the effects of thermodynamic irreversibility on exergy sustainability indicators.

Conclusions:

• The developed HT-PEMFC model provides insights into exergy sustainability under irreversible conditions.
• Optimizing operating temperature and inlet pressure is vital for improving HT-PEMFC efficiency.
• Managing irreversibility, particularly at higher current densities, is essential for sustainable HT-PEMFC operation.