Design and simulation of the PV/PEM fuel cell based hybrid energy system using MATLAB/Simulink for greenhouse application

Abstract In this study, design and optimization of the hybrid renewable energy system consisting of Photovoltaic (PV)/Electrolyzer/Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) was investigated to provide electricity and heat for Greenhouse in Şanliurfa (Turkey). The coupling of a photovoltaic system with PEMFC was preferred to supply continuous production of electric energy throughout the year. Additionally, produced heat from PEMFC was used to heating of the greenhouse by micro cogeneration application. The MATLAB/Simulink was applied to the design and optimization of the proposed hybrid system. In the designed system, solar energy was selected to produce the Hydrogen (H2) required to run the electrolyzer. In cases where the solar energy is not sufficient and cannot meet the electricity requirement for the electrolyzer; the H2 requirement for the operation of the PEMFC was met from the H2 storage tanks and energy continuity was ensured. The electrolyzer was designed for H2 demand of the 3 kW PEMFC which were met the greenhouse energy requirement. PEMFC based hybrid system has 48% electrical and 45% thermal efficiencies. According to optimization results obtained for the proposed hybrid system, the levelized cost of energy was found 0.117 $/kWh. The obtained results show the proposed PV/Electrolyzer/PEMFC hybrid power system provides an applicable option for powering stand-alone application in a self-sustainable expedient.