There is an increasing need for new and greater sources of energy for future global transportation applications. One recognised possibility for a renewable, clean source of transportation fuels is solar radiation collected and converted into useable forms of electrical and/or chemical (hydrogen) energy. This paper describes methods for utilising and combining existing technologies into systems that optimise solar energy collection and conversion into useful transportation fuels. PV (photovoltaic)-electrolysis (solar hydrogen) and PV-battery charging systems described in this paper overcome inefficiencies inherent in past concepts, where DC (direct current) power from the PV system was first converted to AC (alternating current) and then used to power electrical devices at the point of generation, or fed back to the grid to reduce electricity costs. These past, non-optimised concepts included efficiency losses in power conversion and unnecessary costs. These drawbacks can be avoided by capitalising on the unique feature of solar photovoltaic devices that match their maximum power point to the operating point of an electrolyser or a battery charger without intervening power transformers. This concept is illustrated for two systems designed, built, and tested by General Motors for fuelling a fuel cell electric vehicle and charging an automotive propulsion battery. Based on this research, we propose a scenario in which individual home-owners, businesses, or sites at remote locations with no grid electricity, can capture solar energy, store it as hydrogen generated via water electrolysis, or as electrical energy used to charge storage batteries. Such a decentralised energy system provides a home refuelling option for drivers who only travel limited distances each day.
Development of a renewable hydrogen economy: Optimization of existing technologies
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy ; 35 , 3 ; 892-899
2010
8 Seiten, 8 Bilder, 34 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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