The coupling factor: A new metric for determining and controlling the efficiency of solar photovoltaic power utilization

The production of electricity and hydrogen in a renewable fashion, such as using solar energy, can provide a clean and sustainable energy source for electric-powered vehicles, including fuel-cell and battery-electric vehicles. Our research on generating hydrogen and charging batteries using renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity has led to the development of a simple and convenient new metric called the coupling factor that describes the fraction of the maximum PV power transferred to electrical loads. The keystone of the coupling factor concept is a regression model to calculate the maximum PV voltage, current, and power as a function of the instantaneous incident solar irradiance and the photovoltaic module temperature. The coupling factor can range from zero to one, i.e., no transfer of power from the PV system to the load, to complete transfer of the PV power. We describe the derivation of regression models to compute important PV electrical output variables, such as the open circuit voltage, the short circuit current, the maximum power point voltage, the maximum power point current, and the coupling factor as a function of the fundamental measured variables affecting those quantities. The models are derived for PV modules used in our previous research to power an electrolyzer and charge high-voltage batteries. In addition, we develop models for other modules using PV cell technologies different from those used in our PV system. Some of the calculated quantities are compared to measurements for our PV system. The usefulness of these quantities, and especially the coupling factor, in rating the transfer of PV power to electrolyzer and battery loads, is illustrated. Finally, we discuss how the predicted maximum power point voltage can be used for real-time control and efficiency optimization of a dynamic PV-load system.     

Experimental investigation of solar-hydrogen energy system performance

Recently, the Solar-hydrogen energy system (SHES) becomes a reality thanks as well as a very common topic to energy research in Egypt as it is now being the key solution of different energy problems including global warming, poor air quality and dwindling reserves of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrogen is a flexible storage medium for energy and can be generated by the electrolysis of water. It is more particularly advantageous and efficient when the electrolyzer is simply coupled to a source of renewable electrical energy. This paper examines the operation of alkaline water electrolysis coupled with solar photovoltaic (PV) source for hydrogen generation with emphasis on the electrolyzer efficiency. PV generator is simulated using Matlab/Simulink to obtain its characteristics under different operating conditions with solar irradiance and temperature variations. The experimental alkaline water electrolysis system is built in the fluid mechanics laboratory of Menoufiya University and tested at certain input voltages and currents which are fed from the PV generator. The effects of voltage, solution concentration of electrolyte and the space between the pair of electrodes on the amount of hydrogen produced by water electrolysis as well as the electrolyzer efficiency are experimentally investigated. The water electrolysis of different potassium hydroxide aqueous solutions is conducted under atmospheric pressure using stainless steel electrodes. The experimental results showed that the performance of water electrolysis unit is highly affected by the voltage input and the gap between the electrodes. Higher rates of produced hydrogen can be obtained at smaller space between the electrodes and also at higher voltage input. The maximum electrolyzer efficiency is obtained at the smallest gap between electrodes, however, for a specified input voltage value within the range considered.     

Study on control method of the stand-alone direct-coupling photovoltaic – Water electrolyzer

Based on photovoltaic as an energy resource and hydrogen as an energy carrier, we propose control methods of a photovoltaic-water electrolyzer (PV-WE) system that efficiently generates hydrogen by controlling the number of WE cells. The advantage of this direct coupling between PV and WE is that the power loss due to the DC/DC converter is avoided. Here, several different methods to control the number of WE cells in a stand-alone PV-WE system that is isolated from the electrical grid according to the weather condition were investigated: IV estimation method, PV module temperature method and PV current method. In the IV estimation method, first the current–voltage (IV) characteristics of the PV are calculated based on the measured solar insolation and PV module temperature, and then the nonlinear equation of the IV characteristics of the PV is solved to determine the optimum number of WE cells. In the PV module temperature method, only the PV module temperature and PV output current are used for control. In the PV current method, only the PV output current is used, and thus this method is the easiest among these methods to actually implement. Neither the PV module temperature method nor the PV current method requires solving any nonlinear equation of the IV characteristics of the PV. Each of these three control methods experimentally achieved a high maximum power point tracking efficiency (MPPT efficiency = actual PV output/maximum PV output), which was 98% or higher. Furthermore, to compare each control method, simulations of the PV-WE system were carried out using measured insulation and PV module temperature data for a 1-year period. Each of these three control methods also achieved a high MPPT efficiency in the annual simulations.     

太阳能光伏-PEM水电解制氢直接耦合系统优化

利用水电解制氢进行氢储能是我国可再生能源弃电问题的解决方案之一。本文建立了太阳能光伏阵列与质子交换膜（proton exchange membrane, PEM）水电解直接耦合系统的分析模型,研究耦合系统优化运行工况。结果表明,天气变化易导致直接耦合系统工作点偏离光伏最大功率点,引起耦合失配并降低太阳能利用率。通过匹配太阳能光伏阵列串并联结构和水电解器工作槽数进行“粗调”,改变PEM水电解器工作温度进行“精调”,可使直接耦合系统工作在最大功率点附近,使系统能量损失最小。本研究为太阳能光伏-PEM水电解氢储能直接耦合技术的运行策略和优化奠定了理论基础。     

考虑多变量因素影响的光伏PEM制氢系统建模与分析

针对复杂工况对光伏制氢系统性能产生不确定性的影响,提出考虑多变量因素影响的光伏制氢系统模型,探索辐照度、温度、膜厚、压力等因素对光伏质子交换膜（PEM）制氢系统的影响。系统首先建立考虑辐照度、温度、膜厚、压力等因素影响的光伏-质子交换膜电解槽-氢储罐的光伏制氢模型,之后对系统进行定量计算和定性分析,并依据实际光伏数据进行实验验证。结果表明,在额定功率范围内,太阳电池输出电流和功率随辐照度的增加而增大,随温度的升高而降低。质子交换膜电解槽电压随辐照度、膜厚、压力的增加而增大,随温度的升高而减小。太阳电池输出功率、质子交换膜电解槽电压的变化趋势与辐照度变化趋势具有一致性。最终计算得到太阳电池系统、质子交换膜电解槽系统和总系统效率分别为16.8%、72.2%和12.1%。     

Enhancement of grid-connected photovoltaic system using ANFIS-GA under different circumstances

In recent years, many different techniques are applied in order to draw maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) modules for changing solar irradiance and temperature conditions. Generally, the output power generation of the PV system depends on the intermittent solar insolation, cell temperature, efficiency of the PV panel and its output voltage level. Consequently, it is essential to track the generated power of the PV system and utilize the collected solar energy optimally. The aim of this paper is to simulate and control a grid-connected PV source by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA) controller. The data are optimized by GA and then, these optimum values are used in network training. The simulation results indicate that the ANFIS-GA controller can meet the need of load easily with less fluctuation around the maximum power point (MPP) and can increase the convergence speed to achieve the MPP rather than the conventional method. Moreover, to control both line voltage and current, a grid side P/Q controller has been applied. A dynamic modeling, control and simulation study of the PV system is performed with the Matlab/Simulink program.     

Generation of high-pressure hydrogen for fuel cell electric vehicles using photovoltaic-powered water electrolysis

Increasing the utilization of electric drive systems including hybrid, battery, and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) will reduce the usage of petroleum and the emission of air pollution by vehicles. The eventual production of electricity and hydrogen in a renewable fashion, such as using solar energy, can achieve the long-term vision of having no tailpipe emissions, as well as eliminating the dependence of the transportation sector on dwindling supplies of petroleum for its energy. Before FCEVs can be introduced in large numbers, a hydrogen-fueling infrastructure is needed. This report describes an early proof-of-concept for a distributed hydrogen fueling option in which renewably generated, high-pressure hydrogen is dispensed at an FCEV owner’s home. In an earlier report we described the design and initial characterization of a solar photovoltaic (PV) powered electrolyzer/storage/dispensing (ESD) system that was a proof-of-concept for a single FCEV home fueling system. In the present report we determined the efficiency and other operational characteristics of that PV-ESD system during testing over a 109-day period at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, MI, at a hydrogen output pressure of approximately 2000 psi (13.8 MPa). The high pressure was achieved without any mechanical compression via electrolysis. Over the study period the photovoltaic solar to electrical efficiency averaged 13.7%, the electrolyzer efficiency averaged 59%, and the system solar to hydrogen efficiency averaged 8.2% based on the hydrogen lower heating value. A well-documented model used to evaluate solar photovoltaic power systems was used to calculate the maximum power point values of the voltage, current, and power of our PV system in order to derive the coupling factor between the PV and ESD systems and to determine its behavior over the range of environmental conditions experienced during the study. The average coupling factor was near unity, indicating that the two systems remained coupled in an optimal fashion. Also, the system operated well over a wide range of meteorological conditions, and in particular it responded quickly to instantaneous changes in the solar irradiance (caused by clouds) with negligible effect on the overall efficiency. During the study up to 0.67 kg of high-pressure hydrogen was generated on a sunny day for fueling FCEV. Future generations of high-pressure electrolyzers, properly combined with solar PV systems, can offer a compact, efficient, and environmentally acceptable system for FCEV home fueling.     

基于新能源发电的电解水制氢直流电源研究

利用新能源发电进行电解水制氢是实现新能源就地消纳和氢能利用的重要途径,以匹配电解水制氢工作特性的制氢电源为研究对象,通过分析质子交换膜电解槽电解电流、温度与电解槽端口电压、能量效率、制氢速度之间的关系,得出制氢电源需具备输出低电流纹波、输出大电流、宽范围电压输出的特性。为满足新能源电解制氢系统需求,提出一种基于Y型三相交错并联LLC拓扑结构的制氢电源方案,该方案谐振腔三相交错并联输出,满足电解槽大电流低纹波工作特性,并采用脉冲频率控制实现谐振软开关,提高变换效率。最后,搭建仿真模型和6 kW模块化实验样机,验证所提出方案的合理性与可行性。     

Development of a renewable hydrogen economy: Optimization of existing technologies

There is an increasing need for new and greater sources of energy for future global transportation applications. One recognized possibility for a renewable, clean source of transportation fuels is solar radiation collected and converted into useable forms of electrical and/or chemical (hydrogen) energy. This paper describes methods for utilizing and combining existing technologies into systems that optimize solar energy collection and conversion into useful transportation fuels. Photovoltaic (PV)-electrolysis (solar hydrogen) and PV-battery charging systems described in this paper overcome inefficiencies inherent in past concepts, where DC power from the PV system was first converted to AC current and then used to power electrical devices at the point of generation, or fed back to the grid to reduce electricity costs. These past, non-optimized concepts included efficiency losses in power conversion and unnecessary costs. These drawbacks can be avoided by capitalizing on the unique feature of solar photovoltaic devices that match their maximum power point to the operating point of an electrolyzer or a battery charger without intervening power transformers. This concept is illustrated for two systems designed, built, and tested by General Motors for fueling a fuel cell electric vehicle and charging an automotive propulsion battery. Based on this research, we propose a scenario in which individual home-owners, businesses, or sites at remote locations with no grid electricity, can capture solar energy, store it as hydrogen generated via water electrolysis, or as electrical energy used to charge storage batteries. Such a decentralized energy system provides a home refueling option for drivers who only travel limited distances each day.     

A photovoltaic-powered water electrolyzer: its performance and economics

A prototype water electrolyzer designed to operate from a solar photovoltaic (PV) array without power conditioning was operated for three months at the Florida Solar Energy Center. A 1 kWpk PV array was used to operate the electrolyzer at internal gas pressure from 0 to 40 psig. Performance of the electrolyzer/PV array was measured and characterized in terms of charge efficiency and power efficiency calculated from the operating data. The economics of residential production of hydrogen for energy purposes were calculated and summarized. While the near-term outlook for this energy storage technique was not found to be favorable, the long-term outlook was encouraging.     

Performance assessment of a solar hydrogen and electricity production plant using high temperature PEM electrolyzer and energy storage

This paper investigates the performance of a high temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer integrated with concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and thermal energy storage (TES) to produce hydrogen and electricity, concurrently. A finite-time-thermodynamic analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of a PEM system integrated with a Rankine cycle based on the concept of exergy. The effects of solar intensity, electrolyzer current density and working temperature on the performance of the overall system are identified. A TES subsystem is utilized to facilitate continuous generation of hydrogen and electricity. The hydrogen and electricity generation efficiency and the exergy efficiency of the integrated system are 20.1% and 41.25%, respectively. When TES system supplies the required energy, the overall energy and exergy efficiencies decrease to 23.1% and 45%, respectively. The integration of PEM electrolyzer enhances the exergy efficiency of the Rankine cycle, considerably. However, it causes almost 5% exergy destruction in the integrated system due to conversion of electrical energy to hydrogen energy. Also, it is concluded that increase of working pressure and membrane thickness leads to higher cell voltage and lower electrolyzer efficiency. The results indicate that the integrated system is a promising technology to enhance the performance of concentrating solar power plants.     

Dynamic system modeling of thermally-integrated concentrated PV-electrolysis

Understanding the dynamic response of a solar fuel processing system utilizing concentrated solar radiation and made of a thermally-integrated photovoltaic (PV) and water electrolyzer (EC) is important for the design, development and implementation of this technology. A detailed dynamic non-linear process model is introduced for the fundamental system components (i.e. PV, EC, pump etc.) in order to investigate the coupled system behavior and performance synergy notably arising from the thermal integration. The nominal hydrogen production power is ～2 kW at a hydrogen system efficiency of 16–21% considering a high performance triple junction III-V PV module and a proton exchange membrane EC. The device operating point relative to the maximum power point of the PV was shown to have a differing influence on the system performance when subject to temperature changes. The non-linear coupled behavior was characterised in response to step changes in water flowrate and solar irradiance and hysteresis of the current-voltage operating point was demonstrated. Whilst the system responds thermally to changes in operating conditions in the range of 0.5–2 min which leads to advantageously short start-up times, a number of control challenges are identified such as the impact of pump failure, electrical PV-EC disconnection, and the potentially damaging accentuated temperature rise at lower water flowrates. Finally, the simulation of co-generation of heat and hydrogen for various operating conditions demonstrates the significant potential for system efficiency enhancements and the required development of control strategies for demand matching is discussed.     

A review on solar-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy systems for stationary applications

There are several methods for producing hydrogen from solar energy. Currently, the most widely used solar hydrogen production method is to obtain hydrogen by electrolyzing the water at low temperature. In this study, solar hydrogen production methods, and their current status, are assessed. Solar-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy systems for stationary applications, up to the present day are also discussed, and preliminary energy and exergy efficiency analyses are performed for a photovoltaic-hydrogen/fuel cell hybrid energy system in Denizli, Turkey. Three different energy demand paths – from photovoltaic panels to the consumer – are considered. Minimum and maximum overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are calculated based on these paths. It is found that the overall energy efficiency values of the system vary between 0.88% and 9.7%, while minimum and maximum overall exergy efficiency values of the system are between 0.77% and 9.3% as a result of selecting various energy paths. More importantly, the hydrogen path appears to be the least efficient one due to the addition of the electrolyzer, the fuel cells and the second inverter for hydrogen production and utilization.     

A close-form solution for the maximum-power operating point of a solar cell array

A solar cell array is inherently a nonlinear device consisting of several solar cell modules connected in series-parallel combinations to provide the desired DC voltage and current. At a fixed insolation level, the terminal voltage decreases nonlinearly as the load current increases. Due to this nonlinearity, it is difficult to determine analytically the operating point at which the output power is maximum; a condition required for maximum utilization efficiency of the array. Iterative techniques are normally used to determine this operating condition. These techniques are lengthy, time-consuming, and have to be repeated for any change in the array's parameters, temperature, and insolation level. In this paper, an accurate closed-form solution is derived in terms of the array's parameters and solar insolation level. This solution is useful to the system designer or researcher as a fast and accurate tool for system design and performance analysis.     

Mass minimization of a discrete regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system for on-board energy storage

RFC combined with solar photovoltaic (PV) array is the advanced technologic solution for on-board energy storage, e.g. land, sky, stratosphere and aerospace applications, due to its potential of achieving high specific energy. This paper focuses on mass modeling and calculation for a RFC system consisting of discrete electrochemical cell stacks (fuel cell and electrolyzer), together with fuel storage, a PV array, and a radiator. A nonlinear constrained optimization procedure is used to minimize the entire system mass, as well as to study the effect of operating conditions (e.g. current densities of fuel cell and electrolyzer) on the system mass. According to the state-of-the-art specific power of both electrochemical stacks, an energy storage system has been designed for the conditions of stratosphere applications and a rated power output of 12 kW. The calculation results show that the optimization of the current density of both stacks is of importance in designing the light weight on-board energy system.     

Battery-assisted low-cost hydrogen production from solar energy: Rational target setting for future technology systems

The massive implementation of renewable energy requires sophisticated assessments considering the combination of feasible technology options. In this study, a techno-economic analysis was conducted for hydrogen production from photovoltaic power generation (PV) utilizing a battery-assisted electrolyzer. The installed capacity of each component technology was optimized for the wide range of unit costs of electricity from the PV, battery, and proton-exchange membrane electrolyzer. Leveling of PV output by battery, the necessary capacity of electrolyzer is suppressed and the operating ratio of electrolyzer increases. The battery-assist will result in a lower hydrogen production cost when the benefit associated with the smaller capacity and higher operation ratio of the electrolyzer exceeds the necessary investment for battery installation. The results from this study indicated the cost of hydrogen as low as 17 to 27 JPY/Nm³ using a combination of technologies and the achievement of ambitious individual cost targets for batteries, PV, and electrolyzers.     

Development of hybrid photovoltaic-fuel cell system for stand-alone application

In this paper we present firstly the different hybrid systems with fuel cell. Then, the study is given with a hybrid fuel cell–photovoltaic generator. The role of this system is the production of electricity without interruption in remote areas. It consists generally of a photovoltaic generator (PV), an alkaline water electrolyzer, a storage gas tank, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and power conditioning units (PCU) to manage the system operation of the hybrid system. Different topologies are competing for an optimal design of the hybrid photovoltaic–electrolyzer–fuel cell system. The studied system is proposed. PV subsystem work as a primary source, converting solar irradiation into electricity that is given to a DC bus. The second working subsystem is the electrolyzer which produces hydrogen and oxygen from water as a result of an electrochemical process. When there is an excess of solar generation available, the electrolyzer is turned on to begin producing hydrogen which is sent to a storage tank. The produced hydrogen is used by the third working subsystem (the fuel cell stack) which produces electrical energy to supply the DC bus. The modelisation of the global system is given and the obtained results are presented and discussed.     

Impact of environment factors on solar cell parameters of a-Si∥μc-Si photovoltaic modules

The behavior of amorphous silicon∥micro crystalline silicon (a-Si∥μc-Si) tandem-type photovoltaic (PV) module is complex because the output current is limited by the lower current component cell. Also, the outdoor behaviors are not fully understood. The impact of environment factors on solar cell parameters of a-Si∥μc-Si PV module was quantitatively analyzed and the module was compared with other silicon-based PV modules (single crystalline silicon (sc-Si) and amorphous silicon (a-Si)). The contour maps of solar cell parameters were constructed as a function of irradiance and module temperature. The contour map of a-Si∥μc-Si PV modules is similar to that of a-Si modules. The results imply that output characteristics of a-Si∥μc-Si PV modules are mainly influenced by the a-Si top cell. Furthermore, the efficiency of a-Si∥μc-Si PV modules was compared other solar cell parameters and the contour map of efficiency is similar to that of fill factor.     

Valorization of the waste heat given off in a system alkaline electrolyzer-photovoltaic array to improve hydrogen production performance: Case study Antofagasta,Chile

The efficiency of an electrolyzer can be improved by preheating the water consumed, which is generally done by means of solar energy in PVT panels. In this research, the first objective is to determine whether it is possible to preheat the consumed water by using the residual heat given off by the electrolyzer itself fed by a PV array, and if the above is met, the second objective consists of quantify the benefits obtained in the performance of the system. The simulation is carried out over a period of one year, considering the meteorological conditions of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The results indicate that it is possible to constantly maintain the water temperature consumed by the electrolyzer at its nominal value of 80 °C, since the energy contained in the waste heat is about 30 times higher than this hot water demand. Continuous operation at 80 °C compared to operation at variable temperature achieves an annual increase of 0.22% in hydrogen production and an average of 0.33% in electrolyzer efficiency. Moreover, by considering the thermal energy given off by the electrolyzer as useful output of the system, the overall energy efficiency increases by a relative percentage of 13%.     

Performance assessment of an integrated PV/T and triple effect cooling system for hydrogen and cooling production

In this paper we study an integrated PV/T absorption system for cooling and hydrogen production based on U.A.E weather data. Effect of average solar radiation for different months, operating time of the electrolyzer, air inlet temperature and area of the PV module on power and rate of heat production, energy and exergy efficiencies, hydrogen production and energetic and exergetic COPs are studied. It is found that the overall energy and exergy efficiency varies greatly from month to month because of the variation of solar radiation and the time for which it is available. The highest energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained for the month of March and their value is 15.6% and 7.9%, respectively. However, the hydrogen production is maximum for the month of August and its value is 9.7 kg because in august, the solar radiation is high and is available for almost 13 h daily. The maximum energetic and exergetic COPs are calculated to be 2.28 and 2.145, respectively and they are obtained in the month of June when solar radiation is high for the specified cooling load of 15 kW.