Maximizing the efficiency of a HT-PEMFC system integrated with glycerol reformer

The efficiency and output power density of an integrated high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell system and glycerol reformer are studied. The effects of reformer temperature, steam to carbon ratio (S/C), fuel cell temperature, and anode stoichiometric ratio are examined. An increase in anode stoichiometric ratio will reduce CO poisoning effect at cell’s anode but cause lower fuel utilization towards energy generation. High S/C operation requires large amount of the energy available, however, it will increase anode tolerance to CO poisoning and therefore will lead to enhanced cell performance. Consequently, the optimum gas composition and flow rate is very dependent on cell operating current density and temperature. For example, at low current densities, similar efficiencies were obtained for all the S/C ratio studied range at cell temperature of 423.15 K, however, at cell temperature of 448.15 K, low S/C ratio provided higher efficiency in comparison to high S/C ratio. High S/C is essential when operating the cells at high current densities where CO has considerable impact on cell performance. Optimal conditions that provide the maximum power density at a given efficiency are reported.

► An integrated HT-PEMFC system and glycerol reformer is studied. ► Pseudo 2D model of HT-PEMFC taking the CO poisoning effect into account is considered. ► An increase in anode stoichiometric ratio reduces CO poisoning effect at cell’s anode. ► High S/C operation requires large amount of the energy available but increases anode tolerance to CO poisoning. ► Optimal conditions of the HT-PEMFC system providing the maximum power density are reported.