A novel hybrid ammonia fuel cell and thermal energy storage system.

Summary: In this paper, we develop and experimentally investigate a novel hybrid ammonia fuel cell and thermal energy storage system. A molten alkaline salt is utilized for storing thermal energy as well as operating an alkaline electrolyte‐based direct ammonia fuel cell. The specific thermal energy storage capacity of the hybrid system is found to be 133 kJ kg−1 at a temperature of 320°C. Furthermore, the maximum power densities are found to be 2.1±0.1 W m−2 to 2.3±0.1 W m−2 for operating temperatures varying between 220°C and 320°C. The energy efficiency is evaluated as 20.6±0.6%, and the exergy efficiency is determined to be 23.3±0.7% at the peak power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]