Dynamic model of a novel power-to-power trigenerative system based on solid-state hydrogen storage: Real world case study for a non-residential user

One of the most challenging issue of the future energy networks, powered by unpredictable renewable energy sources, is the mismatch between electricity production and demand. To address this issue, several energy storage technologies are under investigation. In this framework, the present paper focuses on the use of hydrogen as an energy storage system. In particular, a detailed dynamic model for a hybrid renewable energy system including a 100 kW photovoltaic array, a 50 kW anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, a 12 kg metal hydride hydrogen storage tank, and a 30 kW high–temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell, is developed in this study. All these components are linked within a TRNSYS/MatLab co–simulation platform which is used to simulate the use of the proposed technology for a site located in Southern Italy under hourly varying weather and load data. The integrated system delivers 59 % primary energy savings, avoids 54 tons of carbon dioxide annually, self–consumes 63 % of solar output, supplies 16 % of yearly electricity via hydrogen–fed fuel cell operation, and achieves a simple payback period higher than 7 years based on projected technology costs. These f indings demonstrate that hydrogen–based storage systems can dramatically cut energy consumption and emissions in off–grid settings, provided that continued cost reductions in electrolyzers, storage materials, and fuel cells are realized alongside supportive policy measures.