Environmental impact analysis for manufacturing 200 kW SOFC and PAFC systems via life cycle assessment.

The fuel cells of the future for sustainable development are solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs) and phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFCs), and they will have to coexist as future energy sources. This requires a proper understanding of the properties of the materials used in both fuel cell systems and the ability to identify and mitigate the challenges associated with materials that have a high environmental impact. In this study, all materials and processes involved in the manufacturing of 200 kW SOFC and PAFC systems for power generation are divided into stack, balance of plant (BOP) and system assembling components, and a cradle-to-gate environmental impact assessment is conducted to assess the life cycle process from raw materials extraction to final system manufacturing.