Techno-economic analysis of a heat and power combination system based on hybrid photovoltaic-fuel cell systems using hydrogen as an energy vector

Abstract

The increased exploitation of fossil fuels has created a serious environmental problem. Therefore, the possibility of implementing a cogeneration system based on renewable energies is being studied. However, a stand-alone system based exclusively on renewable energies has certain limitations. To address these limitations, a hybrid CHP system is proposed based on renewable energy storage technologies such as those offered by fuel cells (FCs) and using hydrogen as fuel, which is considered a sustainable energy carrier. The proposed system consists of three subsystems: a photovoltaic system, which generates electrical energy through solar energy; a hydrogen generation, consumption, and storage system, where there is an electrolyzer to obtain hydrogen from water; a FC, which will generate electrical and heat energy and a hydrogen tank to store the hydrogen; and a thermal system, where the thermal energy from the heat cell will be used for thermal charging. The electrical energy generated by the FC supports the solar energy when, for whatever reason, the solar energy cannot meet the demand. The focus of the research here presented is to emphasize that, although this system is not economically viable at present, it is technically possible. HOMER Pro software was used to carry out the technical-economic study. It simulates the operation of the system, drawing up energy balances for each hour of the year during the life of the project as well as estimating the installation and maintenance costs.