Solar PV-Wind Turbine Integration in Hydrogen Production to Generate Electricity through Fuel Cell

Abstract

This research examines the integration of solar pv & wind turbines for hydrogen production and generate electricity directly or reconvert hydrogen to electricity through fuel cells. Electricity generated from sunlight and wind is promising for hydrogen production using water electrolyzer. The growth of energy system with the use of fuel cell technology requires basic understanding of fuel cell system as well as related power electronics. This research provides an overall system model including solar pv, wind turbine, electrolyzer, storage system, fuel cell systems, and grid integration model using MATLAB Simulink. Particular attention is paid to design energy mix from renewable energy. The power electronics system makes the electrical output synchronized with the existing power grid and load. In selecting DC-DC and DC-AC power converters, studies to the unique specifications have been carried out for system design purposes. The fuel cell output to the DC link can be transferred to loads with the converter and then to the grid using the three-phase ac grid-inverter. The system from the research can be developed with a combination of solar pv & wind turbine power plant, hydrogen production plant, hydrogen storage system, fuel cell power generator, hydrogen-based fueling station, electric vehicle charging station, and grid integration. Thus, this system has several advantages. Besides producing electrical energy, it can also be used as a backup power with hydrogen storage-fuel cells system. The hydrogen produced can also be used for various needs such as in petrochemical plants, oil refineries, and other industries.