TY  - JOUR
AU  - Kavadias, Kosmas
AU  - Tzelepis, Stefanos
PY  - 2020
DA  - 2020/07/24
TI  - A Simplified Optimization Model for Sizing Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
JO  - Journal of Energy and Power Technology
SP  - 011
VL  - 02
IS  - 03
AB  - The fluctuations in the cost of energy coupled with the gradual decrease in natural resources (i.e., oil, natural gas, coal) and the environmental issues caused by the extensive use of fossil fuels, demand the urgent need for the development of advanced and clean energy systems. The European Union has requested new measures to target climate and energy deterioration by developing renewable energy sources by 2030. The stochastic character of the energy sources and the fluctuation in demand for the energy systems poses a hindrance to achieving these targets. In this direction, hydrogen technology, that can be produced by electrolysis carried out in the presence of electricity from renewable energy systems can contribute as an energy carrier. It does not emit hazardous gasses and can be stored in the metal hydride canisters for future use via fuel cells (FCs). Modeling these systems is important for achieving their optimal size and to increase the penetration of renewable energy. They are beneficial both from the energy and economic point of view. For the accurate understanding of the hydrogen systems and especially FCs, it is important to understand the thermodynamic and electrochemical operating principles. In the present study, an integrated mathematical model is proposed concerning the electrical and thermal behavior of the FC. The model developed can simulate the operation of an FC by using the FC’s technical specifications. The reliability of the model was validated under three different hydrogen flow patterns applied in the experimental configuration (NEXA 1.2 kW). The proposed model was applied to a specific case study for the optimum sizing of an FC in terms of maximum hydrogen absorption. A hydrogen production pattern from electrolysis was used, and the excess energy from a wind park installed in an autonomous grid island network was utilized.
SN  - 2690-1692
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/jept.2003011
DO  - 10.21926/jept.2003011
ID  - Kavadias2020
ER  -