Sizing of a Green Hydrogen Energy System to power a micro-grid for residential use

Abstract

Storage systems are necessary in microgrids based on renewable energy sources to maintain the balance between production and demand. Currently, hydrogen is being promoted by the European Union to be used as new renewable energy vector (green hydrogen) in order to use it for the generation of electrical power, consequently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy sources used to produce hydrogen, such as photovoltaic and wind, are intermittent, therefore an optimal sizing of the hydrogen storage system is required. Another advantage of using hydrogen as an energy vector is the flexibility obtained in the electrical system. This article proposes a technical and optimal solution to create an electric microgrid for a residential area with 100 dwellings using a green hydrogen storage system powered with renewable energy. Results show that a self-sufficient hybrid photovoltaic and wind turbine microgrid with hydrogen storage system can be economically more attractive than a regular photovoltaic collective self-consumption installation. In addition, the self-sufficient gained with hydrogen as energy vector, means a total decarbonisation of the energy sector.