Optimization of hydrogen-producing sustainable island microgrids

Abstract

Hydrogen-based microgrids are receiving attention as critical pathways are being charted for the decarbonization of our thermal, transport, and power grids. In this article, clean, cost-effective, and reliable hybrid microgrid designs are developed to satisfy hydrogen and electricity loads in three energy-stressed islands of Eastern Canada, namely Pelee, Wolfe, and Saint Pierre. The design iterations incorporate elements of solar, wind, fuel cells, Hydrogen, and electricity storage. Real-time field irradiation, wind speed, ambient temperature, and load data over 8760 h have been used to drive the designs. Although the anticipated inflation rate in Newfoundland is higher than in Ontario, the lowest net present cost (NPC) of the hybrid solution is found in Saint Pierre Island. The hydrogen cost, in this case, is $7.5/kgH 2 and $15.8/kgH 2 lower than that of Pelee and Wolfe islands, respectively. The maximum H 2 tank capacity (≥680 kgH 2 ) on Pelee Island is 3000 h/yr and 1000 h/yr lower than optimal cases in Saint Pierre and Wolf Islands, respectively. LCOE is more sensitive to market changes in fuel cell costs than other components. The highest LCOE reduction (∼63%) is observed when the optimal case in Pelee Island increases its lifetime. Analyzing the volatility in resource assessment indicates that predicting the energy cost over a short-term project is challenging. The salvage share in the long-term project is more than that of the short-term, indicating that the long-term project can be more cost-effective taken overall. • Feasibility analysis of renewables in refuelling station and residential buildings of Pelee, Wolfe, and Saint Pierre Islands. • Simultaneous production of Hydrogen and electricity production via renewables is economically and technically feasible. • The lowest value of energy and Hydrogen cost are obtained in Saint Pierre Island. • The energy cost over a short-term project is challenging and less profitable than a long-term project.