In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers have long sought to harness the power of hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy carrier. A groundbreaking study led by Ayatte I. Atteya from the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, UK, has taken a significant step forward in this endeavor. The research, published in the journal ‘Energies’, introduces a novel multi-objective dynamic system model for optimally sizing and simulating grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic-hydrogen (PV-H2) energy systems.
The study addresses a critical gap in existing research by developing a dynamic model that accurately captures the real-world behavior of electrolysers and fuel cells under transient conditions. Unlike previous studies that often relied on simplistic models with fixed efficiency assumptions, Atteya’s model integrates a Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) algorithm to minimise both the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and the building carbon footprint. This approach ensures that the system components are sized accurately, avoiding the oversizing that can lead to unnecessary costs and space requirements.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. By considering the dynamic behavior of electrolysers and fuel cells, the model can predict the actual hydrogen production and consumption rates under real-world scenarios. This level of precision is crucial for the commercial viability of hybrid renewable-hydrogen energy systems. “The accurate sizing, energy management, and real-world simulation of such a dynamic hybrid system within grid-integrated buildings represent key challenges for its wider deployment,” Atteya explains. “Our model addresses these challenges by providing a more realistic representation of system behavior.”
The study compares a single-objective PSO-based model that minimises only the LCOE with the multi-objective model that also considers the building carbon footprint. The results are striking. The single-objective model, which focuses solely on cost, results in a system with a 1000 kW PV array, a 932 kW electrolyser, a 22.7 kg hydrogen storage tank, and a 242 kW fuel cell, achieving an LCOE of 0.366 £/kWh but maintaining a 40% grid dependency. In contrast, the multi-objective model, which balances cost and environmental impact, yields a system with a 3187.8 kW PV array, a 1000 kW electrolyser, a 106.1 kg hydrogen storage tank, and a 250 kW fuel cell. This configuration reduces grid dependency to 33.33% while slightly increasing the LCOE to 0.5188 £/kWh.
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching. For energy providers and building owners, the ability to optimise both cost and carbon footprint means greater flexibility in meeting sustainability goals without compromising financial viability. “The multi-objective model provides a more environmentally friendly hybrid system sizing,” Atteya notes, highlighting the potential for significant reductions in carbon emissions. This could pave the way for more widespread adoption of hybrid renewable-hydrogen energy systems, particularly in sectors where sustainability is a key priority.
The study also underscores the importance of considering real-world dynamics in energy system design. By accurately modelling the electrochemical behavior of electrolysers and fuel cells, the research ensures that the system components are sized appropriately, avoiding the pitfalls of oversizing that can lead to higher costs and inefficient use of space. This level of precision is essential for the commercial success of hybrid energy systems, as it allows for more accurate cost and performance predictions.
Looking ahead, the research opens new avenues for further exploration. Future studies could focus on optimising hybrid renewable-hydrogen energy systems from additional perspectives, such as maximising the turnaround efficiency of hydrogen energy conversion to electricity or minimising other sustainability criteria like water consumption. The potential for direct use of green hydrogen for heating or fueling vehicles within buildings also presents an exciting area for future research.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for innovative solutions that balance cost and sustainability becomes increasingly pressing. Ayatte I. Atteya’s research, published in ‘Energies’ (Energies), represents a significant advance in this direction, offering a comprehensive approach to the optimal sizing and real-world simulation of hybrid PV-H2 energy systems. The insights gained from this study have the potential to shape the future of the energy sector, driving progress towards a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.
