Thermodynamic Analysis of Integrated Fuel Cell and Solar Energy Systems

Abstract

In the last few decades, world has seen an exponential increase in energy demand. This high increase in demand brought with it the issue of global warming. In this research, we will be studying alternative energy sources integrated with absorption cooling system for better and sustainable future. This thesis sheds light on results obtained by modelling Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Solar Photo Voltaic Thermal (PV/T) integrated with Triple Effect Absorption Cooling System (TEACS) and Quadruple Effect Absorption Cooling System (QEACS). Energy and Exergy analyses using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) are carried out for integrated systems and results are presented in this thesis. The results presented in this thesis are for the specific operating conditions and cannot be generalized to all systems. The detailed energy and exergy analyses of integrated systems show that energy and exergy efficiencies of the PEMFC decrease from 69.7 % to 35 % and 56.4 % to 34 %, respectively, when the current density and the temperature of the PEMFC are increased. However, energetic and exergetic COPs increase from 1.53 to 2.66 and 0.6 to 1.1, respectively, with increase in the temperature of the PEMFC. On the other hand, when the pressure, and the current density of the PEMFC are increased, the energetic and exergetic COP decrease from 2.8 to 1.6 and 1.3 to 0.6, respectively. Increase in PEMFC current density results in the decrease of the overall energetic and exergetic efficiencies from 66.9% to 33.4%, and 25.9% to 12.9%, respectively. For the Solar PV/T integrated with TEACS, it is found that the overall energy and exergy efficiency varies greatly from month to month because of the variation in the solar radiation and the time for which it is available. The highest energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained for the month of March and their value is 15.6% and 7.9%, respectively. However, the hydrogen production is maximum for the month of August and its value is 9.7 kg because in august, the solar radiation is high and is available for almost 13 hrs daily. The maximum energetic and exergetic COPs are calculated to be 2.28 and 2.145, respectively and they are obtained in the month of June when solar radiation is high for the specified cooling load of 15 kW. This research is intended to help researchers and governments around the world to design the integrated systems for better environmentally friendly, efficient and sustainable future.