Finally, the applied global optimiz

Finally, the applied global optimization strategy avoids the typical trap of designing a fuel cell-based system with a high fuel cell stack efficiency, but low net electrical efficiency. This is accomplished by taking into account the geometric and operational parameters of the fuel processing components, such as the SMR and WGS reactors. A rigorous variation of these parameters shifts the results toward the maximization of the net electrical efficiency. Although this study has not included cost-related parameters, such as the unit cost of fuel, it should be noted that a high net electrical efficiency has a highimpact factor on the reduction of the system operational cost.