Installation of fuel cells in building in use: Technical, regulatory, and economic feasibility

Abstract

Although widely used for energy production, fossil fuels pose a challenge in the fight against climate change. They are used in various sectors, with construction accounting for 40% of total energy demand.. To address this issue, the article looks at alternative technologies and fuels that can effectively reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy, reduce our carbon footprint, and make existing buildings more self-sufficient. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells have the potential to completely transform energy production in buildings, generating energy on-site and reducing the carbon footprint of existing constructions. This article compares four commercial fuel cell options (SOFC and PEMFC) based on their technical, regulatory, and economic viability. Moreover, the selected equipments, suitable for domestic use and scalable, will be evaluated for their integration into an existing building to provide a proportion and knowledge of space. In conclusion, Equipment B (PEMFC) was chosen for installation after carefully considering the spatial and technical requirements that had to be met. The low maintenance costs of Equipment B played a crucial role, and the use of disruptive technology was in line with the case study strategy. Some parameters, such as space, ventilation, and temperature, are future fuel cell policy benchmarks. The comparison of PEMFC shows a developing competitive sector applicable to our building.

Keywords

• H2
• Integration
• Comparison
• PEMFC
• SOFCT