From solar to hydrogen energy
Modelling, design, and construction of a system for hydrogen production using photovoltaic panels.
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Abstract
Efficiency improvements of solar cells, growth in photovoltaic cells manufacturing, and declining prices of solar modules are just a few of the factors that have allowed solar power to break records (320 GW) in global cumulative installed capacity in 2016. In the energy systems of the future, solar energy will be the predominant energy source. However, the growth in solar power brings new technical challenges to overcome.
Power intermittency, grid flexibility, and surplus electricity are just a few of the challenges that must be addressed for the power systems of the future.
In the light of these challenges, this thesis provides new insights in the use of solar energy to produce hydrogen via a PEM electrolyzer. In order to achieve this goal, a hybrid power system model of hydrogen production using solar power was developed. The system consists of a PV array, a battery bank, a PEM electrolyzer, hydrogen tank, and a power control unit.
The results are structured in two parts. First, simulations of three configurations between the panel and the electrolyzer: (i) direct coupling, (ii) including an MPPT, and (iii) including a battery. Second, simulations of several component sizes of PV modules, battery bank, and electrolyzer stack. These simulations were analyzed for yearly irradiance data from Delft.
An analysis of energy yields, hydrogen production, system efficiency, and the impact on the electrolyzer lifetime, is performed for each of the configurations.
Additionally, Wawa, a lab-scale solar-to-hydrogen system has been designed, built and tested. Wawa provides a practical hands-on understanding the hydrogen production via PEM electrolysis using solar power.
Based on the simulation results, it is clear that the lifetime of the electrolyzer can be positively affected by including a battery as an energy buffer. An additional conclusion is that the shape of the irradiance curve plays an important role when sizing the components of the system.
Hopefully, this research will motivate students to address more research on how solar-to-hydrogen systems can help to develop the power systems of the future.