Research on combined heat and power system based on solar-proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

ABSTRACT In order to solve the problem of power supply and heating in remote rural household of north China, taking rural houses in Yinchuan as the research object, a solar-proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) combined heat and power (CHP) system that is suitable for supplying power and heating to household in remote rural areas in north China is proposed in this paper. The simulation model is developed by using the MATLAB/Simulink platform and the effects of key operating parameters (i.e. current density and active area) on the performances of the PEMFC are studied. And the control effects of PID and fuzzy PID on the outlet temperature of the PEMFC stack are analyzed. The changes in temperature of water tank and indoor heating temperature under different electric loads and solar radiation are compared and studied. Meanwhile, the change in temperature of water tank is analyzed with or without solar energy, and the electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and CHP efficiency of PEMFC CHP are studied. The results show that the current density and active area have a significant impact on PEMFC stack. The temperature of water tank can be increased by 20°C combining solar energy and PEMFC. In winter, under different electric loads and solar radiation, the solar-PEMFC CHP system can make the temperature of the water tank reach above 55°C, and make the indoor heating temperature reach 20°C~27°C.In addition, the maximum efficiency of PEMFC CHP system is about 83%.