Hybrid PV/Fuel Cell System Design and Simulation

In this paper, a hybrid Photovoltaic (PV)-fuel cell generation system employing an electrolyzer for hydrogen generation is designed and simulated. The system is applicable for remote areas or isolated loads. Fuzzy regression model (FRM) is applied for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to extract maximum available solar power from PV arrays under variable insolation conditions. The system incorporates a controller designed to achieve continuous supply power to the load via the PV array or the fuel cell, or both according to the power available from the sun. The simulation results show that the system can run without power shortage for more than four days even in case of zero insolation.