Precise Dynamic Modelling of Real-World Hybrid Solar-Hydrogen Energy Systems for Grid-Connected Buildings

Abstract

Hybrid renewable hydrogen energy systems could play a key role in delivering sustainable solutions for enabling the Net Zero ambition; however, the lack of exact computational modelling tools for sizing the integrated system components and simulating their real-world dynamic behaviour remains a key technical challenge against their widespread adoption. This paper addresses this challenge by developing a precise dynamic model that allows sizing the rated capacity of the hybrid system components and accurately simulating their real-world dynamic behaviour while considering effective energy management between the grid-integrated system components to ensure that the maximum possible proportion of energy demand is supplied from clean sources rather than the grid. The proposed hybrid system components involve a solar PV system, electrolyser, pressurised hydrogen storage tank and fuel cell. The developed hybrid system model incorporates a set of mathematical models for the individual system components. The developed precise dynamic model allows identifying the electrolyser’s real-world hydrogen production levels in response to the input intermittent solar energy production while also simulating the electrochemical behaviour of the fuel cell and precisely quantifying its real-world output power and hydrogen consumption in response to load demand variations. Using a university campus case study building in Scotland, the effectiveness of the developed model has been assessed by benchmarking comparison between its results versus those obtained from a generic model in which the electrochemical characteristics of the electrolyser and fuel cell systems were not taken into consideration. Results from this comparison have demonstrated the potential of the developed model in simulating the real-world dynamic operation of hybrid solar hydrogen energy systems for grid-connected buildings while sizing the exact capacity of system components, avoiding oversizing associated with underutilisation costs and inaccurate simulation.

Modeling and Simulation of a Renewable Energy PV/PEM with Green Hydrogen Storage

“…To evaluate the performance of the developed model in terms of real-world production, the simulation results shown in Figures 7 to 12 were compared with those of [10], considering the electrochemical losses occurring in the PEM electrolyzer and the PEM fuel cells. According to the simulations of the hydrogen levels in the hydrogen tank, the maximum level reached in the hydrogen tank was 250 kg of hydrogen with the proposed model, compared to approximately 86.5 kg in [10].…”

“…To evaluate the performance of the developed model in terms of real-world production, the simulation results shown in Figures 7 to 12 were compared with those of [10], considering the electrochemical losses occurring in the PEM electrolyzer and the PEM fuel cells. According to the simulations of the hydrogen levels in the hydrogen tank, the maximum level reached in the hydrogen tank was 250 kg of hydrogen with the proposed model, compared to approximately 86.5 kg in [10]. This highlights the potential benefits of the proposed model for more accurately determining the capacity of hydrogen storage systems, thus avoiding the possibility of oversizing associated with additional costs and space requirements.…”

“…When creating accurate models for hybrid renewable energy in grid-connected buildings, the solution lies in precise component dimensions and realistic system simulations. A study carried out in a building of a European university demonstrated that the model can accurately simulate a hybrid system, increasing solar energy consumption and reducing CO 2 emissions [10]. Complex simulations and modeling were used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of such systems, validating their feasibility and usefulness in real-world applications [11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

A Review of Barriers and Enables in Demand Response Performance Chain

“…It can store excess renewable energy produced in sunny or windy periods and deliver it in periods of higher demand or less favorable weather conditions. Beyond electricity generation, hydrogen can also be used for heating purposes or as a fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles [121]. These sectors can also participate in DR programs, for example, by using or storing heat when there is an excess of renewable electricity, or by refueling vehicles, mostly during off-peak hours [122].…”