Life cycle cost analysis of a stationary fuel cell system
Bachelorarbeit

The department of advanced powertrain (ALF) conducts research in the field of renewable energy with a focus on fuel cell systems. A central topic in fuel cell systems is the life cycle cost analysis (LCA) of a stationary fuel cell system, which is crucial for the marketing viability of fuel cells.

The life cycle costs of fuel cells include the CAPEX for the purchase of the fuel cell system and the OPEX for the usage of the fuel cell. The CAPEX includes material costs, labor costs, machine costs, scrap and tooling costs. The OPEX includes fuel costs (hydrogen), insurance, maintenance costs and the cost for repairing.

Within the scope of this work, a cost model of a fuel cell system can be developed under bill of material (BOM) and cost estimation, which will allow to estimate/show the different costs in manufacturing and usage. Using the developed cost model, calculation (CAPEX and OPEX) will be performed to evaluate various costs of parts, components, process and usage of a fuel cell system.

The result of the thesis is a functional cost model of a stationary fuel cell system which can be used for future cost calculations and estimations.

Focus of the bachelor thesis:

- Research on cost model and cost analysis of PEM fuel cell systems (Cost Analysis of PEM Fuel Cell Systems for Backup Power Applications);

- Developing of a cost model (CAPEX and OPEX) of a PEM fuel cell system

o   Cost analysis of fuel cell system production, which includes material costs, labor costs, machine costs, scrap and tooling costs;

o   Analysis of the cost of use of a fuel cell system, including fuel, insurance, maintenance costs and so on;

o    Presentation of the costs of the various parts, components and processes.

- Evaluate the cost of different parts, components, and processes and their impact on cost of fuel cell system.

The bachelor thesis is to be submitted as an individual work. The focal points can be individually adapted to the work status or the necessary processes in consultation with the supervisor. The bachelor thesis can be written in English.