Energy-ecological efficiency of the fuel cell electric vehicle powered by different biofuels

Abstract

This paper examines the net environmental impact for the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, in special the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (SOFCEV), by exploring how different fuels operate alongside the cell, through the analysis of its equivalent carbon dioxide emissions and energy-ecological efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis showed high theoretical efficiency for the SOFCEV with internal steam-reforming, mainly in the ideal temperature range indicated for equipment longevity. Ethanol and biomethane had minor environmental impact when compared to gasoline and glycerine. Biofuel-fuelled SOFCEV showed a thermodynamic performance like the obtained for gasoline. Also, biofuel-fuelled SOFCEV presented CO2e exhaust emissions capable to attend all future tailpipe emissions standards from the European Union and the United States. Glycerine had the lowest energy-ecological efficiency, while biomethane-fuelled SOFCEV has demonstrated to be the best energy and environmental scenario compared to the other analysed fuels. This paper might contribute to the reduction of climatic impacts related to the transport sector by showing that the SOFCEV achieve high energy-ecological efficiency when fuelled with biofuels. The use of biofuel-fuelled SOFCEV is considered a viable option that might enable decision making to favour the electromobility development.