Green hydrogen energy source for a residential fuel cell micro-combined heat and power

Abstract

In this paper, fuel cell micro combined heat and power with green hydrogen production is investigated for a residential house. Solar and wind energy were investigated for green hydrogen production. The performance of the micro-CHP system was evaluated using yearly energy coverage rate as an index, defined by the energy production and need ratio. A dynamic mathematical model of PEM fuel cell combined with the condensing boiler, supplied by local production of green hydrogen was developed. It was validated based on the yearly measurements in the FC micro-CHP unit installed in a French residential house. The key factors in the micro-CHP operating strategy were the fuel cell heat generation, stop phases, and regeneration which control water temperature, fuel cell life cycle, and annual performance. For conventional residential house in Normandy, the fuel cell operates for a short period during a summer day and the stored hot water was sufficient for heat demand. For winter typical day, the fuel cell operates continuously with maximum heat production. Electricity demand is satisfied and the condensing boiler is used to fulfill heat demand. Operating under heat led strategy, the yearly heat coverage rate is of 100% and the electricity coverage rate is usually upper 100% with 20 to 60% of stored electricity. Impact of the heating degree day and solar irradiance were analyzed using climatic zone factor as an index. Micro-CHP minimum hydrogen self-sufficiency of 57% is obtained in the coldest region where the climatic zone factor is 71°Cm2/W. Micro-CHP 100% hydrogen autonomy is achieved in regions where the climatic zone factor is lower than 39°Cm2/W.