Forecasting solar-to-hydrogen and solar-to-methane energy conversion efficiency using Si and IMM PV-modules: A case-study in Japan

Abstract

The solar-to-gas (StG) conversion system is a potential pathway for accelerating zero-carbon energy sources. In our previous study, outdoor StG conversion was accomplished using triple-junction concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules. The system achieved the highest performance with sets of DC/DC converters and electrochemical (EC) cells. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prospective StG conversion from PV systems if such a system is installed in Japan. A power generation prediction model considering all weather conditions, called the Miyazaki Spectrum to Energy (MS2E), has been developed using the METPV-11 meteorological database at the University of Miyazaki. Accordingly, the amount of energy generated by various PV systems could be forecasted nationwide from the global irradiance data. In this study, we applied the MS2E PV energy prediction method and approached the potential StG conversion efficiency of silicon (Si) PV and inverted metamorphic (IMM) PV systems across Japan. Based on the actual StG measurement data, we approximated the conversion of each subsystem. The simulation results show that IMM modules can provide higher StG conversion than Si modules.