Electric Load Influence on Performances of a Composite Plant for Hydrogen Production from RES and its Conversion in Electricity

Abstract

The analysis here presented investigates the influence of electrical load on the operational performances of a plant for hydrogen production from solar energy and its conversion in electricity via a fuel cell. The plant is an actual one, currently under construction, in Reggio Calabria (Italy), at the site of the Mediterranean university campus; it is composed of a Renewable Energy Source (RES) section (photovoltaic panels), a hydrogen production section, and a fuel cell power section feeding the electrical energy demand of the load. Two different load configurations have been analysed and simulations have been carried out through HomerTM simulation code. Results allow interesting conclusions regarding the plant operation to be drawn. The study could have a remarkable role in supporting further research activities aimed at the assessment of the optimal configuration of this type of pioneering plants, designed for feeding electrical loads, possibly, in a self-sufficient way.

The role of hydrogen‐based power systems in the energy transition of the residential sector

“…Only Serra et al 62 employed a combination of PEMFC and solid oxide FC (SOFC) to re-electrify the stored hydrogen. However, there is a bigger mix of electrolyzer technologies employed: alkaline-based, 43,[47][48][49] PEM-based [38][39][40][41]57,61,63 and AEM-based technologies. 58,59,70,71 Besides, the INNOVATHUIS project 69 comprises a novel reversible SOFC operating in both fuel cell and electrolyzer modes when required.…”

“…To ensure supply continuity, these configurations include either GC or DG. Carbone et al 47 studied the impact of the load pattern in the SSR achieved, resulting in 80% SSR for night load and 93% for daylight load. The grid provides the remaining electricity.…”

“…Concerning configurations reporting self-sufficiency ratios below 100%, Carbone et al 47 report a lower E FC /E RES ratio for daylight load as RES utilization increases with daylight setup. Maclay et al 44 achieved only a 69% SSR during 1 week of operation despite having the highest P FC /P RES and P EL /P RES ratios (120% and 200%, respectively), due to the very low HRE of the system (16.6%).…”

Design and Construction of a UAV for High Atmosphere Flight Powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cell

“…The fuel cell is suitable in terms of weight/power ratio, occupation and energy density [4][5][6]: compared to a battery with the same weight it has autonomy 3-4 times higher; moreover, hydrogen shows environmental sustainability and energetic performances: 1 kg provides 33.3 kWh gross of losses, with minimum occupancy if compressed [7][8][9][10][11]. Fuel cells address multiple power sectors and applications across stationary [12], transports [13] and portable, ranging from micro [14,15] to large power plants.…”