Exergy and exergoeconomic analyses of novel high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell based combined cogeneration cycles, including methanol steam reformer integrated with catalytic combustor or parabolic trough solar collector

Based on high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell, two new configurations of cogeneration systems including a methanol steam reformer and a Kalina cycle is presented to produce electrical power and hot water. In the first configuration, the heat required for methanol steam reforming reaction is provided by the integration of the reformer with a catalytic combustor while in the second configuration, a coupled parabolic trough solar collector with a heat storage tank is used. The performance of proposed cycles is investigated from the viewpoints of exergy, economics and environmental impact through a detailed parametric analysis. It is observed that under a basic operating condition, the overall exergy efficiency of the first configuration is 2.58% higher than that of the second one. The exergy destruction in the solar reformer utilized in the second configuration is 18% less than that in the reformer coupled with a catalytic combustor as used in the first configuration. Also, for different operating conditions, the second configuration shows a comparatively better exergoeconomic performance. Under the basic operating condition, the total unit product cost, and the specific CO2 emission for the second configuration are calculated as 23.95%, and 16.33% lower than those for the first configuration, respectively. •Exergoeconomic analysis is performed for two HT-PEMFC based cogeneration cycles.•Solar reformer exergy destruction is lower than the reformer with catalytic combustor.•A decrease in reformer temperature is in favor of unit product cost of systems.•Cycle with solar reformer presents a better economic and environmental performance.•Using solar energy reduces fuel consumption rate by up to 34%.