Abstract: The general model of a proton exchange membrane(PEM) fuel cell and four-temperature-level absorption refrigeration cycle hybrid system, affected by kinds of losses including the electrochemical and thermodynamic irreversibility losses, is established. Expressions for the equivalent efficiency and power output of the hybrid system, the coefficient of performance and cooling load of the absorption refrigeration cycle are derived. The general performance characteristics of the hybrid system are analyzed through numerical simulation and calculation, and the influences of the some operating parameters are analyzed and discussed in detail, finally the optimal operation regions of some parameters such as current density, power output and efficiency are determined. The waste heat produced in the PEM fuel cell is fully utilized to drive the absorption refrigerator, which greatly raises the power output and efficiency of the fuel cell hybrid system.

Key words: Absorption refrigerator, Hybrid system, Optimal regions, Proton exchange membrane(PEM) fuel cell