Modelling and simulation of solar-PV-wind fuel cell hybrid system for off-grid applications

Abstract

Developing countries have abundant renewable energy resources including solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, hydro energy and biomass. With the increasing demand of sustainable energy, there is need to integrate these renewable energy sources to feed a stand alone system. However, the biggest challenge is the need for energy storage systems, owing to the fact that energy from solar and wind are intermittent in nature. The combination of hydrogen storage using fuel cells may be a solution for long term storage of solar PV and wind power. Such a system when used for off grid applications can provide energy solution to about one third of world’s population leaving in isolated regions and have no access to grid connected electricity. The purpose of this proposedstudy is to model and simulate a stand alone hybrid power system that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell for energy storage. This system couples a photovoltaic (PV) generator, an alkaline water electrolyser, a storage gas tank, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell ( PEMFC) and power conditioning units (PCU) to give different system topologies. The system is expected to provide an environmentally friendly energy solution to populations living in remote areas far from the national grid.