Hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles can be produced by using solar electric energy from PV (photovoltaic) modules for the electrolysis of water without emitting carbon dioxide or requiring fossil fuels. In the past, this renewable means of hydrogen production has suffered from low efficiency (2 % - 6 %), which increased the area of the PV array required and therefore, the cost of generating hydrogen. A comprehensive mathematical model was developed that can predict the efficiency of a PV-electrolyser combination based on operating parameters including voltage, current, temperature, and gas output pressure. This model has been used to design optimised PV-electrolyser systems with maximum solar energy to hydrogen efficiency. In this research, the electrical efficiency of the PV-electrolysis system was increased by matching the maximum power output and voltage of the photovoltaics to the operating voltage of a PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyser, and optimising the effects of electrolyser operating current, and temperature. The operating temperature of the PV modules was also an important factor studied in this research to increase efficiency. The optimised PV-electrolysis system increased the hydrogen generation efficiency to 12.4 % for a solar powered PV-PEM electrolyser that could supply enough hydrogen to operate a fuel cell vehicle.
Predicting efficiency of solar powered hydrogen generation using photovoltaic-electrolysis devices
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy ; 35 , 3 ; 900-911
2010
12 Seiten, 12 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 17 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
Wasserstoffproduktion , Energieeffizienz , Energiespeicherung , Solarzelle , elektrischer Wirkungsgrad , Wasserstoffantrieb , Brennstoffzelle , Polymerelektrolytmembranbrennstoffzelle , Umwandlungswirkungsgrad , Prozessoptimierung , Systemoptimierung , mathematisches Modell , Temperatureinfluss , Druckeinfluss