The study examines the methods for producing hydrogen using solar energy as a catalyst. The two commonly recognised categories of processes are direct and indirect. Due to the indirect processes low efficiency, excessive heat dissipation, and dearth of readily available heat-resistant materials, they are ranked lower than the direct procedures despite the direct procedures superior thermal performance. Electrolysis, bio photosynthesis, and thermoelectric photodegradation are a few examples of indirect approaches. It appears that indirect approaches have certain advantages. The heterogeneous photocatalytic process minimises the quantity of emissions released into the environment; thermochemical reactions stand out for having low energy requirements due to the high temperatures generated; and electrolysis is efficient while having very little pollution created. Electrolysis has the highest exergy and energy efficiency when compared to other methods of creating hydrogen, according to the evaluation.
Green hydrogen production is essential to meeting the conference of the parties’ (COP) decarbonization goals; however, this method of producing hydrogen is not as cost-effective as hydrogen production from fossil fuels. This study analyses an off-grid photovoltaic energy system designed to feed a proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer for hydrogen production to evaluate the optimal electrolyzer size. The system has been analyzed in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, using experimental meteorological data. The 12 kWp photovoltaic array is positioned at the optimal annual tilt angle for the selected site. The temperature effect on photovoltaic modules is taken into consideration. Several electrolyzers with capacities in the range of 2–14 kW were investigated to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. The simulation process was conducted using MATLAB and considering the project life span from 2021 to 2035. The results indicate that various potentially cost-competitive alternatives exist for systems with market combinations resembling renewable hydrogen wholesale. It has been found that the annual energy generated by the analyzed photovoltaic system is 18,892 kWh at 4313 operating hours, and the obtained hydrogen production cost ranges from USD 5.39/kg to USD 3.23/kg. The optimal electrolyzer capacity matches a 12 kWp PV system equal to 8 kW, producing 37.5 kg/year/kWp of hydrogen for USD 3.23/kg.
The challenge of climate change and the need for environmental sustainability necessitate rapid and transformative actions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This paper examines the role of renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) as catalysts in this endeavor, highlighting their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and foster sustainable development. The importance of ambitious renewable energy targets and supportive policies, as well as the application of AI in optimizing energy systems and enabling smart grid management has been discussed. Additionally, outlined a roadmap for success that includes investment in research and development, cross-sector collaboration, education and public awareness, and international cooperation. By implementing these strategies, it can harness the power of renewable energy and AI to drive the transition towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
This paper provides an in-depth review of the current state and future potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). The urgency for more eco-friendly and efficient alternatives to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles underlines the necessity of HFCVs, which utilize hydrogen gas to power an onboard electric motor, producing only water vapor and heat. Despite their impressive energy efficiency ratio (EER), higher power-to-weight ratio, and substantial emissions reduction potential, the widespread implementation of HFCVs is presently hindered by several technical and infrastructural challenges. These include high manufacturing costs, the relatively low energy density of hydrogen, safety concerns, fuel cell durability issues, insufficient hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and the complexities of hydrogen storage and transportation. Nevertheless, technological advancements and potential policy interventions offer promising prospects for HFCVs, suggesting they could become a vital component of sustainable transportation in the future.
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