Optimization model for hydrogen fuelled micro grids composed of fuel cell and photovoltaic power generation

Abstract

Power generation in isolated areas is a difficult challenge. Isolated areas usually rely on diesel engines to generate electricity, but fuel transport costs and global oil availability threaten the energy security for these areas. Although solar and wind energy have been regarded as a solution, their inherently variable output require high capacity energy storage systems to provide a stable power output. Recent advances in hydrogen technology allow us to consider hydrogen fuel as a viable energy storage/supply method. In this study, a hydrogen fueled micro-grid for isolated areas is proposed. This optimal model is designed to minimize the objective function by finding the optimum number of residences, the size of the facility, and the capacity for each component of the grid. As a result of the analysis, the proposing grid has environmental and economic advantages in compared the conventional system.