In this work the preliminary results of the research activity regarding the development of a microcogeneration unit prototype based on a proton exchange membrane fuel cell for residential application have been presented. The combined heat and power (CHP) system, which has been designed to optimize the integration of commercial and precommercial components, is equipped with two fuel cell stacks, a natural gas steam reforming unit, a heat recovery unit, electrical devices such as batteries, dc/ac converters, and auxiliary components such as compressors and pumps. In order to evaluate the electrical and thermal energy production and to estimate the system efficiency, an energy analysis has been carried out by using a numerical model. The simulation results pointed out that the microcogeneration system is able to provide $2.2 kWel$ and $2.5 kWth$ with electrical and CHP efficiencies (refer to the low heating value) of 40% and 88%, respectively. Furthermore, the primary energy savings, achievable by using the cogeneration system in comparison with a separate generation of electricity and heat from a centralized power plant and conventional boilers, have been evaluated.

1.
Directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of cogeneration based on an useful heat demand in the internal energy market and amending Directive 92/42/EEC, Official Journal of the European Union, Feb. 21, 2004
2.
Minutillo
,
M.
, and
Jannelli
,
E.
, 2006, “
Modelling and Testing a PEM Fuel Cell Fueled by a Steam Reforming System
,”
Proceedings of the FUELCELL2006, Fourth International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
,
Irvine, CA
, Jun. 19–21.
3.
Jannelli
,
E.
,
Minutillo
,
M.
, and
Galloni
,
E.
, 2007, “
Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell System Fuelled With Hydrogen Generated by a Fuel Processor
,”
ASME J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol.
1550-624X,
4
, pp.
435
440
.
4.
Aspen Technology
, 2000, Aspen Plus 1.2, User Guide.
5.
Echigo
,
M.
, and
Tabata
,
T.
, 2004, “
Reaction and Surface Characterization Studies of Ru/Al2O3 Catalysts for CO Preferential Oxidation in Reformed Gas
,”
Catal. Lett.
,
98
, pp.
37
42
. 1011-372X
6.
Minutillo
,
M.
, and
Perna
,
A.
, “Behaviour Modeling of a PEMFC Operating on Diluted Hydrogen Feed,” Int. J. Energy Res., to be published.
7.
Amphlett
,
J. C.
,
Baumert
,
R. M.
,
Mann
,
R. F.
,
Peppley
,
B. A.
, and
Roberge
,
P. R.
, 1995, “
Performance Modelling of Ballard Mark IV Solid Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
,”
J. Electrochem. Soc.
0013-4651,
142
(
1
), pp.
1
8
.
8.
Jalalzadeh-Azar
,
A. A.
, 2004, “
A Comparison of Electrical and Thermal–Load Following CHP Systems
,”
ASHRAE Trans.
0001-2505,
110
(
2
), pp.
85
94
.
You do not currently have access to this content.