Modeling and simulation of a 100 kWe HT-PEMFC subsystem integrated with an absorption chiller subsystem

A 100 kWe liquid-cooled HT-PEMFC subsystem is integrated with an absorption chiller subsystem to provide electricity and cooling. The system is designed, modeled and simulated to investigate the potential of this technology for future novel energy system applications. Liquid-cooling can provide better temperature control and is preferable for middle-scale transport applications, such as commercial vessels, because stack cooling can be achieved within smaller volumes. A commercial ship requiring cooling and electricity is taken as the case study for the application of the proposed system. All system components are described and analyzed in detail, in terms of modeling assumptions and configuration topology. The results show the conceptual feasibility of the proposed system configuration, since high net electrical efficiencies are accomplished. The calculated net electrical efficiency is 43.8% for a net electrical power output of 100 kWe. The heat exhausted to the absorption chiller subsystem is 107 kW and can satisfy a cooling duty of up to 128 or 64.5 kW for a LiBr–water double-effect system or a water–NH3 single-effect system, respectively. Finally, the projected total cost is comparable to conventional systems, i.e., diesel engines integrated with vapor-compression chillers, and therefore justifies further development of the proposed system.

► We investigate the integration of a HT-PEMFC with an absorption chiller.
► The proposed system exhibits a calculated net electrical efficiency of 43.8%.
► The system can satisfy a cooling duty of up to 128 kW
► The projected total cost is comparable to conventional systems.