Mathematical Modeling of Solar-Hydrogen System for Residential Applications

A possible future approach to home and personal vehicle energy needs is to combine solar power generation on the structure with hydrogen production and use. In this paper, performance of a solar-hydrogen system for residential application is simulated. Included in the main components of the solar-hydrogen system are photovoltaic panels, electrolyzer, fuel cell, compressor, and storage tank. The solar-hydrogen system is assumed to be installed on the standard house (1600 sq ft), to be a part of a grid-connected system where the house can receive energy from both grid as well as PV panels and fuel cell based on the energy requirements of the house. Using yearly weather data for Las Vegas, net grid interaction as well as stand alone (off grid) performance is considered as part of the analysis. The effect of component sizing aspects is examined.