R. Menzer et B. Hohlein, ANALYSIS OF ENERGY AND WATER MANAGEMENT IN TERMS OF FUEL-CELL ELECTRICITY-GENERATION, Journal of power sources, 71(1-2), 1998, pp. 294-301
Hydrogen-powered low-temperature fuel cells (PEFCs) are the energy con
version units in vehicles with methanol as the energy carrier and a po
wer train consisting of the following main units: methanol reformer (H
-2 production) including catalytic converter, gas treatment, PEFC with
peripheral units, electric motor with electric controllers and gearbo
x. The process engineering analysis is based on a simulation model and
describes the energy and water management as a function of different
assumptions as well as operating and ambient conditions for net electr
icity generation in a PEFC-powered power train. In particular, it pres
ents an approach for balancing both water recovery (PEFC) and the use
of water for the methanol reforming process as well as for the humidif
ication of the PEFC. The overall balances present an optimised energy
management including peripheral air compression for the PEFC. (C) 1998
Elsevier Science S.A.