A comparison of energy storage from renewable sources through batteries and fuel cells: A case study in Turin, Italy. (14th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Belmonte, N.; Girgenti, V.; Florian, P.; Peano, C.; Luetto, C.; Rizzi, P.; Baricco, M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 46(2016)
• Page Start: 21427
• Page End: 21438
• Publication Date: 2016-12-14
• Subjects: Integrated power system -- Fuel cell -- Electrolyzer -- Battery -- Life cycle assessment; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.07.260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, two alternative integrated power systems were considered: one based on photovoltaic and hydrogen technology (electrolyzer coupled with a fuel cell), the other based on photovoltaic and batteries. The two systems, designed for off-grid applications, were sized for a photovoltaic energy production in the area of Turin, Italy, to provide 3 kW maximum power, with an average daily consumption of 10.25 kWh. The systems were compared from a technical and economical point of view and a Life Cycle Assessment analysis (LCA) was performed, to identify the main contributors to the environmental impact of the systems. From a commercial point of view, fuel cell and the electrolyzer are niche products, so the hydrogen-based power system results to be more expensive with respect to Li-ion batteries. From the environmental point of view, however, LCA results show the lower burdens of the hydrogen technology. Highlights: Design and sizing of two power systems for off-grid applications in Turin area. Comparison of energy storage systems: electrolyzer coupled with fuel cell and battery. Cost analysis show that power system based on hydrogen technology is more expensive. LCA shows that electrolyzer + fuel cell has lower impact with respect to solar panels.