Energy Consumption, Emissions and Economic Evaluation of Fuel Cell Vehicles

Abstract:

Water electrolysis hydrogen production pathways were concerned, and the effects of different power generation modes on the life cycle of fuel cell vehicles were discussed. GREET software was used to model and simulate the energy consumption, emissions, environmental impact and substitutability of fuel cell vehicles with different hydrogen production pathways, in which water electrolysis was powered by different energies. The comprehensive cost calculation and analysis of fuel cell vehicles with different pathways was carried out. The results showed that the hydrogen production pathway, in which water electrolysis is powered by wind energy, had the lowest energy consumption and emissions, being the most environmentfriendly, meanwhile is relatively higher in economic efficiency. It is the most workable pathway to make green and efficient use of fuel cell vehicles.

Key words:fuel cell vehicles; life cycle; GREET software; energy consumption; emissions