Experimental study on performance characteristics of small-scale double-effect absorption chiller utilizing HT-PEMFC waste heat

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, extensive research should be conducted to expand the use of renewable energy in wider sectors. HT-PEMFC systems feature generation of both electricity and waste heat exceeding 150oC. This high-temperature waste heat has many more application possibilities compared to conventional low-temperature fuel cell waste heat. In this study, we experimentally investigated the potential for chilling water production when integrating HT-PEMFC systems with absorption chillers. Absorption chiller systems come in single-effect and double-effect configurations. The double-effect system is well known for its high efficiency since it can produce cooling output higher than the heat input. Currently, only direct-fired or steam-driven systems with high thermal capacity are available for dual-effect type. Cases of absorption chiller systems driven by the waste heat near 150oC from HT-PEMFC are rare. Therefore, we developed a dual-purpose absorption chiller with a thermal oil-driven type with a capacity of 30 kW for lab tests. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the cooling production characteristics when utilizing waste heat from the high temperature fuel cells.