Biomass-Driven Polygeneration Coupled to Power-to-X: An Energy and Economic Comparison Between On-Site Electric Vehicle Charging and Hydrogen Production

Simona Di Fraia, Rafał Figaj, Musannif Shah () and Laura Vanoli
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Simona Di Fraia: Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy
Rafał Figaj: Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Musannif Shah: Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy
Laura Vanoli: Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: The power-to-X strategy for passenger car applications offers a viable solution for using the surplus electrical power from renewable energy sources instead of exporting it to the grid. The innovative system proposed in this study allocates surplus electrical power from a building-integrated biomass-based Combined Cooling Heating and Power (CCHP) system to on-site applications and evaluates the energetic and economic benefits. The system comprises two key components: a 50 kW electric vehicle (EV) charging station for EVs and a 50 kW alkaline electrolyzer system for on-site hydrogen production, which is later dispensed to fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The primary goal is to decrease the surplus of electricity exports while simultaneously encouraging sustainable transportation. The system’s economic viability is assessed through two scenarios of fuel (e.g., biomass) supply costs (e.g., with and without fuel market costs) and compared to the conventional approach of exporting the excess power. The key findings of this work include a substantial reduction in surplus electricity exports, with only 3.7% allocated for EV charging and 31.5% for hydrogen production. The simple payback period (SPB) is notably reduced, enhancing economic viability. Sensitivity analysis identifies the optimal hydrogen system, featuring a 120 kW electrolyzer and a 37 kg daily hydrogen demand. The results underscore the importance of prioritizing self-consumed energy over exports to the national grid, thereby supporting integrated renewable energy solutions that enhance local energy utilization and promote sustainable transportation initiatives.

Keywords: electric vehicles; fuel cell electric vehicles; hydrogen; polygeneration system; sensitivity analysis (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: 2024
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