Investigation on System for Renewable Electricity Storage in Small Scale Integrating Photovoltaics, Batteries, and Hydrogen Generator

Abstract

In this article the solution based on hydrogen generation to increase the flexibility of energy storage systems is proposed. Operating characteristics of a hydrogen generator with integrated electrical energy storage and a photovoltaic installation were determined. The key role of the electricity storage in the proposed system was to maintain the highest operating efficiency related to the nominal parameters of the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generators achieved the highest energy efficiency for the nominal operating point at the highest power output. Lead-acid batteries were used to ensure the optimal operating conditions for the hydrogen generator supplied with renewable energy throughout the day. The proposed system reduces significantly the hydrogen generator nominal power and devices in system operate in such a way to improve their efficiency and durability. The relations between individual components and their constraints were determined. The proposed solution is fully in-line with previously investigated technologies for improving grid stability and can help incorporate renewable energy sources to increase the sustainability of the energy sector and green hydrogen production.

Systematic degradation analysis in renewable energy-powered proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

“…Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) occupies a significant niche in green hydrogen production because of its rapid response to the fluctuating loads of RES, along with its high performance and high gas purity. [8][9][10] Possible RES-coupled PEMWE configurations include ongrid 11,12 or off-grid hybrid systems with or without a battery supply, where the electrolyzer is connected directly [13][14][15][16] or indirectly [17][18][19][20] to the RES. These configurations compete in issues related to the efficiency, mobility, capital expenditure, and operation expenditure.…”

“…24 Although research of direct RES-coupled PEMWE systems has intensified in recent years, there is a lack of fundamental understanding of the system durability and degradation processes encountered during long-term operations. 13,[15][16][17][18]20,25 In this regard, lab-scale studies have attempted to reveal the degradation mechanisms under steady-state and dynamic loads, considering the intermittent features of RES. Compared to steady-state loads, where an increase in Ohmic resistance is mostly considered the main cause of performance decay, [26][27][28] dynamic loads feature various and complex degradation processes depending on the applied accelerated stress test (AST) protocol.…”

Role of Thermal Energy Storage Technology in the Decarbonization of Energy Sector Process – Packed Rock Bed Parameters Analysis

“…There are alternatives to using PHS as energy storage. One of them is the use of hydrogen produced in the electrolysis of water as an energy carrier [9,10].…”

Assessment of Operational Performance for an Integrated ‘Power to Synthetic Natural Gas’ System

“…Installations designed for hydrogen production based on the electrolysis of water are also often used in energy storage systems that cooperate with solar installations [28,29]. The article [30] presents a system for the storage of the energy generated from PV (photovoltaic) panels. This scheme is based on the cooperation of a hydrogen generator, equipped with electrolyzers of the PEM (proton exchange membrane) type, with a lead-acid battery acting as an electrical energy buffer.…”