Assessing future energy and transport systems: the case of fuel cells: Part 2: environmental performance

Although fuel cells have been promoted as environmentally benign energy options for power plants and cars, a life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis of actual impacts is challenged by data and methodological problems. Thus, a method is developed for assessing these systems, and then applied to two majo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The international journal of life cycle assessment 2003-01, Vol.8 (6), p.365-365, Article 365
Main Author: Pehnt, Martin
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Although fuel cells have been promoted as environmentally benign energy options for power plants and cars, a life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis of actual impacts is challenged by data and methodological problems. Thus, a method is developed for assessing these systems, and then applied to two major applications of fuel cells. LCAs are developed for fuel cell power plants and power trains, and for energy converter production. Comparisons are made with other fuel sources, and with internal combustion engines, reciprocating engines, gas turbines, and combined cycle plants. The results indicate that fuel cells have better results for pollutant emissions, but numerous other factors determine results for global warming and primary energy demand.
ISSN:0948-3349
1614-7502
DOI:10.1007/BF02978510