Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) in Automotive Applications: Environmental Relevance of the Manufacturing Stage

Daniel Garraín, Yolanda Lechón, Cristina de la Rúa

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DOI: 10.4236/sgre.2011.22009                

Abstract

This study presents a state of the art of several studies dealing with the environmental impact assessment of fuel cell (FC) vehicles and the comparison with their conventional fossil-fuelled counterparts, by means of the Life Cycle As-sessment (LCA) methodology. Results declare that, depending on the systems characteristics, there are numerous envi-ronmental advantages, but also some disadvantages can be expected. In addition, the significance of the manufac-turing process of the FC, more specifically the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) type, in terms of environmental impact is presented. Finally, CIEMAT’s role in HYCHAIN European project, consisting of supporting early adopters for hydrogen FCs in the transport sector, is highlighted

Keywords

Fuel Cell (FC), Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Green-house Gases (GHG) emissions, Global Warming Impact Category, Energy Resources Impact Category, Acidification Impact Category, Vehicle Manufacturing Phase

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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