Optimal operation of a photovoltaic generation-powered hydrogen production system at a hydrogen refueling station. (9th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aki, Hirohisa; Sugimoto, Ichiro; Sugai, Tokuyoshi; Toda, Masahisa; Kobayashi, Masahiro; Ishida, Masayoshi
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 32(2018)
• Page Start: 14892
• Page End: 14904
• Publication Date: 2018-08-09
• Subjects: Hydrogen refueling station -- PEM electrolyzer -- Low carbon hydrogen -- Photovoltaic generation -- Optimal operation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.06.077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: As the popularity of fuel cell vehicles continues to rise in the global market, production and supply of low-carbon hydrogen are important to mitigate CO2 emissions. We propose a design for a hydrogen refueling station with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEM-EL)-based electrolysis system (EL-System) and photovoltaic generation (PV) to supply low-carbon hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced by the EL-System using electricity from PV and the power grid. The system was formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to allow analysis of optimal operational strategies. Case studies with different objective functions, CO2 emission targets, and capacity utilization of the EL-System were evaluated. Efficiency characteristics of the EL-System were obtained through measurements. The optimized operational strategies were evaluated with reference to three evaluation indices: CO2 emissions, capacity utilization, and operational cost of the system. The results were as follows: 1) Regardless of the objective function, the EL-System generally operated in highest efficiency state, and optimal operation depended on the efficiency characteristics of the EL-System; 2) mitigation of CO2 emissions and increase in capacity utilization of the EL-System required trade-offs; and 3) increased capacity utilization of the EL-System showed two opposing effects on hydrogen retail price. Highlights: A low carbon hydrogen refueling station with a PEM electrolyzer and PV was proposed. Optimal operational strategies were analyzed; CO2 emission and capacity utilization considered. The system generally operated in highest efficiency state, regardless of objective function. CO2 emissions and system capacity utilization require trade-offs. Capacity utilization increase has two opposing effects on hydrogen retail price.