Dynamic model of a novel power to power system based on high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

This work presents a layout of a power-to-power system, based on green hydrogen storage systems. The proposed layout includes the following components: a photovoltaic field, an alkaline electrolyzer, a compressed hydrogen storage and a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The proposed layout was analyzed through a comprehensive thermo-economic model, based on dynamic simulations, aiming at evaluating the energy and economic performance of the plant. The fuel cell was accurately modelled using MatLab® and subsequently integrated in the overall dynamic simulation model, developed using TRNSYS. To maximize the self-energy sufficiency of the selected user, an efficient operating control strategy was implemented. A detailed analysis of the electric load of the user, based on real electric bills was performed. From the implemented analysis, a Primary Energy Savings of about 56% was achieved, which leads a reduction of CO2 emissions of about 52 tCO2/year. The high capital cost justifies the poor economic feasibility, with a Simple Pay Back of 7.5 years. A parametric analysis was performed for five scenarios, with different capacities of the PV system, electrolyzer and fuel cell. For each scenario, different capacities of the pressurized tank were analyzed, in order to find the optimal solution in terms of economic feasibility and energy and environmental impact. The results show that the optimal solution, leads to a pay back period of 7.4 years, with a primary energy saving of 68%.