A Study on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Energy Networks in Urban Residential Dwellings

Abstract

The introduction of residential fuel cells has been just became a realistic option in Japan. Research and development is at the final stage before commercial market launch.

This paper presents the concept of the interconnection of homes with energy networks of electricity, heat (hot water) and hydrogen, and experimental systems and PC simulators for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the networks in providing more efficient use of fuel cells and more CO2 mitigation. Homes can share their energy equipment via the networks. Sharing provides flexible and efficient operation of the equipment, and reduces partial load operation and start-stop operation, which damage the efficiency or the life time of fuel processors.