A solar assisted grid-tied polygeneration system for hydrogen and electricity production: Future of energy transition from electrons to molecules

Abstract

Climate change and energy crises are twin challenges that require collective wisdom and polygeneration energy systems for sustainable development. Hydrogen is an abundant element in the universe that can shape the future of energy transmission and storage from electrons to molecules. This paper presents utilization of a solar PV assisted hydrogen and electricity production and storage system for a university transportation fleet of 43 student transit buses to reduce annual 9842 liter fuel consumption and 26.52 Mt CO2 emissions. The system is designed, modeled, and simulated using TRNSYS® energy simulation software and optimized in TrnOpt linked to GenOpt for dynamic weather conditions of Gujrat (Pakistan), Fargo (USA), London (UK). As a model, the results of a 27kWp PV system are presented that assists an alkaline electrolyzer generating 12696 m3 hydrogen, 6348 m3 oxygen, 16848 KWh electricity exported to national grid and 11.56 GJ thermal energy annually. The proposed system generates energy vectors including hydrogen, electricity, heat, and oxygen with optimal performance during intermittent weathers. In this paper, a business model canvas is developed for solar PV assisted hydrogen production and storage system. These outputs can be accredited to the hydrogen as an energy alternative for green and sustainable future for transportation sector.