Techno-economic analysis of an autonomous power system integrating hydrogen technology as energy storage medium

G. Tzamalis, E.I. Zoulias, E. Stamatakis, E. Varkaraki, E. Lois and F. Zannikos

Renewable Energy, 2011, vol. 36, issue 1, 118-124

Abstract: Two different options for the autonomous power supply of rural or/and remote buildings are examined in this study. The first one involves a PV – diesel based power system, while the second one integrates RES and hydrogen technologies for the development of a self – sustained power system. The main objective is the replacement of the diesel generator and a comparison between these two options for autonomous power supply. Model simulations of the two power systems before and after the replacement, an optimization of the component sizes and a techno – economic analysis have been performed for the purpose of this study. A sensitivity analysis taking into account future cost scenarios for hydrogen technologies is also presented. The results clearly show that the Cost of Energy Produced (COE) from the PV – hydrogen technologies power system is extremely higher than the PV – diesel power system. However, the adopted PV – hydrogen technologies power system reduces to zero the Green – House Gas (GHG) emissions. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis indicates that COE for the latter system can be further reduced by approximately 50% compared to its initial value. This could be achieved by reducing critical COE’s parameters, such as PEM electrolyser and fuel cell capital costs. Hence, a possible reduction on the capital costs of hydrogen energy equipment in combination with emissions reduction mentioned above could make hydrogen – based power systems more competitive.

Keywords: Autonomous power system; Energy storage; Hydrogen technologies; Hybrid energy system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:36:y:2011:i:1:p:118-124

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2010.06.006

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