High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells offer a promising pathway for cleaner and more efficient electricity generation using hydrogen. However, the high-grade waste heat produced during operation is often underutilized. In this study, we propose an integrated energy system that combines an HT-PEM fuel cell with an absorption chiller to simultaneously generate electricity and cooling energy. A process model is developed using Aspen Plus to simulate the thermodynamic and operational behavior of the coupled system under various conditions. The absorption chiller is designed to recover waste heat from the fuel cell, and the resulting cooling energy is supplied to data center cooling loads, effectively reducing the electricity demand typically associated with mechanical cooling. This integration enhances overall system energy efficiency and contributes to power savings in digital infrastructure. A detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) is conducted to assess the economic viability, including capital investment, operating costs, and potential revenue streams from electricity and cooling services. Key performance indicators such as system efficiency, cost of electricity, and payback period are analyzed. This integrated approach highlights a feasible pathway toward multi-functional energy hubs, particularly for industrial and digital infrastructure applications where efficient waste heat utilization is essential. The findings provide valuable insights into optimal system design and operation for maximizing both economic and environmental benefits.
