Theoretical analysis of a glycerol reforming and high-temperature PEMFC integrated system: Hydrogen production and system efficiency

► A performance of a glycerol processing and HT-PEMFC integrated system is analyzed. ► Glycerol shows higher hydrogen production and lower carbon formation than methane. ► Increases in the fuel utilization and reformer temperature can improve the HT-PEMFC system efficiency. ► Water obtained from the HT-PEMFC is sufficient to supply to the steam reformer. ► External heat is required to maintain the steam reforming to achieve high system efficiency at high fuel utilization. The aim of this study is to theoretically analyze the performance and efficiency of a glycerol processing and high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) integrated system. Glycerol is considered a renewable fuel source for hydrogen production. In comparison with methane, glycerol shows a better performance in terms of high hydrogen production and low possibility to carbon formation. However, the content of CO2 in the reformate gas and its dilution effect as well as the energy required for the glycerol processor should be concerned. When considering the operation of the glycerol processor for HT-PEMFCs, the reformer temperature (TR) has a significant influence on hydrogen content in the reformate gas, whereas the steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C) affects hydrogen production slightly. In addition, the content of CO in the reformate gas satisfies the required constraint for HT-PEMFC operation. The performance and efficiency of the glycerol reforming process and HT-PEMFCs integrated system are evaluated by considering a heat recovery and a water balance.