Optimized integration of Hydrogen technologies in Island energy systems

Solar Hydrogen applications are getting more and more attention since competitiveness with conventional electric batteries is proven by several studies. Remote areas or weakly connected Islands are interesting context to apply such a comparison especially needing for seasonal storage due to the contemporary strong change of production due to solar radiation and consumption due to the tourism. Energy and economic analyses are needed tools for assessing the profitability of the solutions as well as sizing and operation of the energy system. Here a building complex of 5 buildings equipped with a total of 100 kWp of PV is investigated thanks to availability of recorded hourly datasets of loads and production. The storage facilities ranging from 500 to 2000 kWh were simulated over the year from an optimal dispatch perspective both for Hydrogen and Electric Battery options. Furthermore, the cost value for investment and operation of 2020, 2030 and 2040 were inserted as input to check the changes at increasing Technology Readiness Level of the mentioned storage medium. The analysis is carried out by means of the (c) E-OPT platform based on a Mixed Integer Linear Programming solver. Finally, the yearly dispatch is compared at changes of the economic input for both Hydrogen and Battery solutions. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Solar Hydrogen applications are receiving more attention compared to conventional electric batteries, especially in remote areas or islands where seasonal storage is needed. The investment and operational costs of PV equipment and storage facilities are crucial for assessing profitability and sizing of the energy system.