Fuel Cell Environmental Impact Report

Life Cycle Approach

The EIR utilizes the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to identify, evaluate and minimize the environmental effects of implementing a fuel cell system in an unbiased fashion.  When the EIR life cycle assessment is performed in conjunction with the ROI feasibility study, the total economic and environmental benefits and drawbacks of installing a fuel cell system can be quantified.

The EIR takes into consideration the environmental impact of extraction of raw material, fuel processing, delivery of the fuel and converting the fuel to electricity/heat in the fuel cell system.  These impacts are collectively known as the environmental stressors.  Material and energy balances are used to quantify the life cycle efficiency (represented as the net change in the energy stored in the raw material minus electricity generated and usable heat recovered).

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary concisely concludes the findings of the Fuel Cell Feasibility Report.  The key project specifications are first reviewed, and then H-Tech will recommend the most suitable commercial fuel cell system based on technical suitability, financial breakdown and environmental impact.   Additionally, practical issues that warrant further consideration are clearly defined and discussed.