A review on solar-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy systems for stationary applications

Abstract

There are several methods for producing hydrogen from solar energy. Currently, the most widely used solar hydrogen production method is to obtain hydrogen by electrolyzing the water at low temperature. In this study, solar hydrogen production methods, and their current status, are assessed. Solar-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy systems for stationary applications, up to the present day are also discussed, and preliminary energy and exergy efficiency analyses are performed for a photovoltaic-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy system in Denizli, Turkey. Three different energy demand paths - from photovoltaic panels to the consumer - are considered. Minimum and maximum overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are calculated based on these paths. It is found that the overall energy efficiency values of the system vary between 0.88% and 9.7%, while minimum and maximum overall exergy efficiency values of the system are between 0.77% and 9.3% as a result of selecting various energy paths. More importantly, the hydrogen path appears to be the least efficient one due to the addition of the electrolyzer, the fuel cells and the second inverter for hydrogen production and utilization. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.