Integrating Fuel Cell Technology in Microgrid Systems for Lower Carbon Emission
摘要
The localized configuration of microgrids has advantages in reducing transmission and distribution losses by shortening the distance between power generators and loads. Microgrids can also enhance power flexibility, reliability, and stability while integrating renewable energy-based generation reduces carbon emissions. Hybrid microgrids with renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power are typically equipped with batteries to store excess energy for later use when needed. Hydrogen, as an energy storage medium, has a significantly higher energy density than batteries. This characteristic makes hydrogen a viable fuel source and energy storage solution for renewable-based microgrids. In addition, integrating a hydrogen-based fuel cell system into a microgrid is expected to provide a promising solution for an efficient, clean, quiet, cost-competitive, and scalable energy supply. This chapter discusses several examples of the configuration of a low-carbon hydrogen production system in a hybrid microgrid, which generally consists of photovoltaic (PV) modules/wind turbines, electrolyzers, fuel cell stacks, energy storage units, and additional components (such as controller's power electronics). Also, simulation and optimization of the hydrogen capacity in microgrid power plants are needed to find the most feasible system in terms of techno-economic aspects.