Optimization of PV-Hydrogen Electrolyzes System

Abstract

In this work, an electrolyze system is considered to produce Hydrogen (H 2) using photovoltaic (PV) panels. The system was experimentally installed and tested under the weather conditions of Cairo 30˚N30˚N. Different PV modules with different specifications of current and voltage were tested for individual loads. One of PV modules that have the maximum current with minimum voltage can produce the highest amount of Hydrogen. In addition, the parameters of concentration of salts (KOH) in water and the apart-distance between the electrodes were studied. The apart-distance of 5 cm between the electrodes was found as optimized distance that produces more H 2 quantity. Moreover, a H 2-cell of 20*15*13 cm 3 has higher H 2 production than the size of 6*6*24 cm 3 , 24*6*24 cm 3 and 24*24*24 cm 3 cells. It is obtained that the optimal system that considers the above efficient conditions must have a PV module with high current and small voltage. Nomenclatures A PV module area (m 2) E calorific value for hydrogen (J/kg) Q hydrogen volume flow rate (mL/min) G total solar radiation (W/m 2) I load current (Ampere) T s PV surface temperature (C˚) V load voltage (Volt) V open Open voltage (Volt) I sh. Short circuit current (Ampere) D Apart distance (cm) Symbols: η t overall system efficiency