Abstract
In this paper, experimental and simulation study provides a detail analysis of operational characteristics for hydrogen charging (5 kWp photovoltaic + 0.6 kW electrolyzer + 5000 L metal hydride (MH) storage) and discharging (1 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) + MH storage) units in a microgrid. Hydrogen charging and discharging processes in MH storage are exothermic and endothermic in nature, respectively, therefore, a suitable thermal management (cooling/heating system) is required. The simulation model of given metal alloy (LaNi5), size and storage capacity of MH cylinder helps to predict the potential of dynamic charging and discharging rates with change in the external cooling/heating management and therefore to design the suitable thermal management system. Results show that dynamic variation in the discharging rate from the MH depends on the management of the external heating system, amount of stored hydrogen, operating temperature and pressure of MH cylinder. The hydrogen discharging rate up to ≈60 L per minute (lpm) can be obtained at 50 °C temperature and 1 lpm flow rate of external heating water. 5000 L MH storage is capable to provide the stable hydrogen supply (≈12 lpm) for ≈1 kW PEMFC generator operation up to ≈5.5 h with heating system (30 °C inlet temperature and 1 lpm flow rate of water). Dynamic operational characteristics of MH storage with electrolyzer and PEMFC show that the appropriate use of designed thermal management system facilitates the proper functioning of overall system.
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