Prospects of Integrated Photovoltaic-Fuel Cell Systems in a Hydrogen Economy: A Comprehensive Review

Chukwuma Ogbonnaya, Chamil Abeykoon, Adel Nasser, Ali Turan and Cyril Sunday Ume
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Chukwuma Ogbonnaya: Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M60 1QD, UK
Chamil Abeykoon: Department of Materials, Aerospace Research Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Adel Nasser: Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M60 1QD, UK
Ali Turan: Independent Researcher, Manchester M22 4ES, UK
Cyril Sunday Ume: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Nigeria

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 20, 1-33

Abstract: Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems, amongst other integrated energy generation methodologies are renewable and clean energy technologies that have received diverse research and development attentions over the last few decades due to their potential applications in a hydrogen economy. This article systematically updates the state-of-the-art of IPVFC systems and provides critical insights into the research and development gaps needed to be filled/addressed to advance these systems towards full commercialization. Design methodologies, renewable energy-based microgrid and off-grid applications, energy management strategies, optimizations and the prospects as self-sustaining power sources were covered. IPVFC systems could play an important role in the upcoming hydrogen economy since they depend on solar hydrogen which has almost zero emissions during operation. Highlighted herein are the advances as well as the technical challenges to be surmounted to realize numerous potential applications of IPVFC systems in unmanned aerial vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, agricultural applications, telecommunications, desalination, synthesis of ammonia, boats, buildings, and distributed microgrid applications.

Keywords: solar energy; photovoltaic-fuel cell system; integrated energy system; power generation; hydrogen energy; hydrogen economy; zero emissions; photovoltaics; fuel cells (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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