Hybrid solar and hydrogen energy system 0-D model for off-grid sustainable power system: A case in Italy

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 92; pp. 1108 - 1120
• Main Authors: Brancaleoni, Pier Paolo, Silvagni, Giacomo, Ravaglioli, Vittorio, Corti, Enrico, Moro, Davide
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 26-11-2024
• Subjects: Control-oriented modelling; Hydrogen power plant; Italy case study; Off-grid power plant; Sizing and modelling framework; Control-oriented modelling; Hydrogen power plant; Sizing and modelling framework; Off-grid power plant; Italy case study
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.284

Off-grid solar systems are one of the most promising solutions for achieving complete grid independence. However, the storage of large amounts of energy produced in the summer through solar panels becomes crucial to reach this goal and hydrogen, as a zero-CO2 energy carrier, could play a pivotal role. This paper presents a case study on the integration and simulation of solar energy and hydrogen technologies in an off-grid energy plant for a teaching buildings complex in Italy. A 0-D virtual energy plant model has been developed aimed at estimating the net energy production and hydrogen consumption/production rates using different inputs of irradiance (monthly average, daily) and energy demand (constant and variable daily consumption levels) in the buildings. The outcome of the analysis identifies the most convenient configuration of the plant in terms of sizing and device interactions for achieving complete grid independence, and the impact of different inputs on the plant performance.
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•Case study of sizing and modeling of solar hydrogen off-grid power plant.•0-D dynamic virtual energy plant is proposed to estimate net energy production and hydrogen consumption/production rates.•The model can describe the impact of different inputs of irradiance (monthly average, daily) and energy demand (constant and variable daily consumption levels) in the buildings.•Identification of most convenient configuration of the plant: sizing and device interactions for complete grid independence.