Design, modeling, and analysis of a PV/T and PEM fuel cell based hybrid energy system for an off-grid house

Abstract

Net-zero emission targets have imposed the transition to clean and efficient energy technologies, considering the problems arising from the discontinuous and variable nature of renewable energy resources. Integrated energy systems based on solar and hydrogen energy are becoming essential to obtain uninterrupted power, especially for off-grid applications. This study focuses on the design, modeling, and evaluation of such a system that meets the energy consumption of a residence in Türkiye. The framework basically consists of photovoltaic/thermal panels (PV/Ts), batteries, a PEM electrolyzer (PEM-El), hydrogen (H2) storage tanks, and PEM fuel cells (PEM-FC). A zero-dimensional mathematical model was developed for each of the components of the system. Yearly analyses were conducted with a new control strategy based on power balancing, and dynamic variations in power generated by the PV/T panel, the SOCs of batteries, the power consumption of the PEM-El, the power generated by the PEM-FC and the amount of hydrogen in the tank were examined. The results showed that the electricity requirement of a 100 m2 house can be met continuously for a year with 20 PV/T panels (total area of 32.71 m2) with a total capacity of 62 kW, 8 batteries with a total capacity of 192 kWh, and 7 H2 storage tanks with a total capacity of 29.4 kg. It was also shown that the electricity needs of the house is met by stored hydrogen between December and April. Furthermore, the hybrid system’s economic evaluation was carried out and the investment cost of the system was calculated.