Title: Effects of some micro-level exergetic parameters of a PEMFC on the environment and sustainability

Authors: Adnan Midilli, Ibrahim Dincer

Addresses: Energy Division, Mechanical Engineering Department, Nigde University, 51100 Nigde, Turkey. ' Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4, Canada

Abstract: This paper deals with studying the effects of some micro-level exergetic parameters of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) on macro-level environmental pollution and sustainability. For this purpose, various exergetic, environmental and sustainability parameters of a PEMFC are investigated based on its operating and technical conditions. Consequently, these parameters may be utilised as some indicators in the development of energy and environmental policies for residential and industrial applications using PEMFC power systems. These parameters are also expected to help understand the linkage between micro-fuel-cell parameters and global aspects in terms of environmental impact and sustainable development and hence make PEMFCs more efficient, more environmentally benign and more sustainable.

Keywords: exergy; environmental pollution; sustainability; PEM fuel cells; sustainable development; polymer electrolyte membrane; environmental impact; global warming.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2010.032195

International Journal of Global Warming, 2010 Vol.2 No.1, pp.65 - 80

Received: 20 Jun 2009
Accepted: 14 Oct 2009
Published online: 15 Mar 2010 *

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