Residential Natural Gas Cogeneration System with Fuel Cell

摘要

We have developed a prototype of residential natural gas cogeneration system that includes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The system mainly consists of a hydrogen generator, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stack, an inverter unit and a hot water storage tank. It provides 1.5 kW of electric power and 2.0 kW heat as hot water. The features of this system are as follows: 1) The system requires only a small housing. 2) Runs on easily obtainable fuels such as natural gas or LPG. 3) A newly developed AD (Air Durable) catalyst is used in the hydrogen generator. 4) The PEFC stack works at normal hydrogen pressure. 5) The system provides both electricity and heat as hot water. 6) Electric output is variable and connected to the power grid.