Perspective-Oxygen-Based Fuel Cell and Reversible Systems for Heavy-Duty Motive and Stationary Applications

The levelized cost of reversible fuel cells is used to identify benefits associated with oxygen use. For the same application, only three parameters influence the cost: roundtrip efficiency, total installation and operation/maintenance costs. The higher efficiency reversible solid oxide fuel cell is preferred. Volume considerations suggest oxygen use in heavy-duty proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Oxygen differentially affects PEMFC degradation modes and limited data hamper the estimation of operation/maintenance costs. Comparative cost analyses and durability data are needed to ensure that the anticipated massive amount of oxygen produced by electrolysis, which is frequently vented, is not a lost opportunity.