Hello solar enthusiasts, back once again to shed some light on some of the latest happenings in the world of solar energy. Today, we delve into recent research from Spain that highlights a potential game-changer for solar-powered homes – an ingenious combination of photovoltaics (PV), fuel cells, and battery storage!
This research is not only a boon for solar companies, but it’s also exciting news for you if you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels for your home. And here’s why: PV power generation when paired with fuel cells and battery storage can considerably reduce the levelized cost of energy for homes. The cherry on top? With this technology, your home may become completely self-sufficient!
Let’s set the scene. A group of brains from the University of Cantabria carried out a pilot project for a self-sufficient home in the quaint village of Novales in Northern Spain. This novel home utilizes a solar array for home use, batteries, and hydrogen storage. The end goal is for the house to take care of its electricity needs either through its solar panel array, fuel cell, or battery pack.
The crux of this setup is a tailor-made energy management strategy (EMS) that hinges on the battery pack’s state of charge (SOC) and monitors energy flow. So, how did they do this? The researchers first collected data that spanned two full years (January 2022 to December 2023) for an 80 m2 social home. They investigated its energy consumption patterns, and with this data, spanned an energy system using software optimization and market analysis.
Their findings? A solar array for home, comprising of 20 solar panels, coupled with four 2.4 kWh batteries was the optimal solution. Additionally, they installed a 35 L water tank for electrolysis and a 600 L hydrogen storage tank.
Let’s unpack the working of this system. The solar panels first serve the home load. Any surplus energy generated charges the batteries, and once they’re full, energy is converted into hydrogen and stored in the high-pressure tank. If solar power is inadequate, the batteries chip in. If the batteries run out, the fuel cell steps up, using the stored hydrogen to produce electricity to recharge the batteries.
Most significantly, the research showed not just a drastic drop in LCOE from €0.86($0.92)/kWh to €0.34 /kWh, but also whopping annual savings of €1,170 for the tenants. With this system, an impressive 15,200 kWh was saved, corresponding to a reduction of around 2,260 kg of CO2!
In conclusion, the potential of a combo of PV, fuel-cells, and battery storage highlights that solar power is a remarkable, viable option for homeowners. This research will undoubtedly contribute to the innovations of many solar companies, and might just make the adoption of solar panels for your home a no-brainer.
Stay tuned for more solar insights, and keep shining bright!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/07/powering-homes-exclusively-with-hydrogen-solar-batteries/
