Engineering risk assessment of photovoltaic-thermal-fuel cell system using classical failure modes, effects and criticality analyses

Abstract

As renewable energy technologies (RETs) replace fossil fuel-based energy systems, the need to address the risks and reliability of emerging RETs suitable for integration into energy infrastructures becomes urgent. The intermittency of renewable energy sources and individual characteristics of the components of RETs are potential causes of power curtailment, system failure, techno-economic costs, and the inertia to transit to renewable energy utilisation. Here, we applied the classical failure modes, effects, and criticality analyses to assess the effects of failure modes of the components of an integrated photovoltaic-thermal-fuel cell system. Risk items were identified with their possible failure modes, mechanisms, and effects to generate risk priority numbers and Criticality values. Results showed that the risk of no solar radiation, hydrogen leakage, failure of photovoltaic module, leakage of oxygen had risk priority number of 450, 270, 240, 240 whilst their corresponding Criticality values were 90, 54, 80, 48, respectively. Generating power with both battery and fuel cell may improve the overall reliability of the system. Eventually, some recommendations were made to improve the system for off-grid and grid-connected applications to supply electrical energy and hot water. Therefore, addressing the identified risk items could significantly improve the reliability and operational efficiency the system. • FMEA and FMECA of an IPVTFC have been implemented. • Risk of intermittency of solar radiation can be mitigated with energy storage systems. • Combining batteries and fuel cells can improve the reliability of IPVTFC systems. • Recommendations on how identified risk items can be managed are presented.