Suiwatana, Poonnat;
(2025)
Dynamic Modelling and Evaluation of PEM Fuel Cells as a Potential Replacement for Diesel Generators in Disaster Stricken Environment.
UCL (University College London): London, UK.
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Abstract
With the accelerating global energy transitions trend, replacing conventional diesel generators has become a critical research priority. Cleaner, emission-free alternatives are urgently needed to ensure resilient power supply. In response, hydrogen-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as a potential alternative. This study develops a MATLAB Simulink model of the PEMFC stack for portable backup power in emergency and medical contexts. The model captures fuel cell behaviours by modelling polarisation losses, hydrogen consumption, thermodynamics, and an active cooling subsystem. The PEMFC model predicts continuous operation at ~252 W with a brief initial power surge. Economic feasibility was analysed using operating expenditure (OPEX) and levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). Environmental performance was evaluated using three hydrogen supply pathways (grey, blue, and green). Emissions were reduced to as low as 0.5 kg CO₂/kWh when supplied with green hydrogen, compared with ~0.8 kg CO₂/kWh for diesel generation. Although LCOE of green hydrogen remains higher (£0.20–0.30/kWh) than that of diesel (£0.15–0.25/kWh), the modelling framework identifies the conditions under which hydrogen fuel cells achieve competitive performance. By integrating technical, economic, and environmental analysis, this study provides a foundation for deploying PEMFC as sustainable backup power solutions in disaster environments.
| Type: | Working / discussion paper |
|---|---|
| Title: | Dynamic Modelling and Evaluation of PEM Fuel Cells as a Potential Replacement for Diesel Generators in Disaster Stricken Environment |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions. |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10214883 |
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