An Efficient Integrated System for Methanol Steam Reforming to Produce Hydrogen Coupled with PEMFC Power Generation

YUAN Shaoke, LI Peijing, JIAO Fan, LI Yimin, QIN Yuanlong, HAN Dongjiang, LIU Qibin

Journal of Thermal Science ›› 2025, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (2) : 374-388.

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Journal of Thermal Science ›› 2025, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (2) : 374-388. DOI: 10.1007/s11630-025-2017-5  CSTR: 32141.14.JTS-025-2017-5
Engineering thermodynamics

An Efficient Integrated System for Methanol Steam Reforming to Produce Hydrogen Coupled with PEMFC Power Generation

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Abstract

With a broad range of application prospects, hydrogen fuel cell technology is regarded as a clean and efficient energy conversion technology. Nevertheless, challenges exist in terms of the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen. One proposed solution to this problem is the utilization of methanol on-line steam reforming technology for hydrogen production. In this paper, an integrated system for in-situ steam reforming of fuel coupled with proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) power generation is proposed, and sensitivity analysis and exergy sensitivity analysis are conducted. Through the gradual utilization of waste heat and the integration of the system, fuel consumption is reduced and the power generation efficiency of the system is improved. Under the design operating conditions, the power generation efficiency and exergy efficiency of the system are achieved at 44.59% and 39.70%, respectively. This study presents a proven method for the efficient integration of fuel thermochemical conversion for hydrogen production with fuel cells for power generation, highlighting the advantages of complementary utilization of methanol steam reforming and PEMFC.

Key words

methanol steam reforming to produce hydrogen / proton exchange membrane fuel cell / waste heat utilization / sensitivity analysis / heat integration

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YUAN Shaoke , LI Peijing , JIAO Fan , LI Yimin , QIN Yuanlong , HAN Dongjiang , LIU Qibin. An Efficient Integrated System for Methanol Steam Reforming to Produce Hydrogen Coupled with PEMFC Power Generation[J]. Journal of Thermal Science, 2025, 34(2): 374-388 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11630-025-2017-5

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Key R &D Program of China (2021YFF0500701), and Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (2021141), and the support is gratefully acknowledged.

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Science Press, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, CAS and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
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