HYDROGEN-SOLAR RESIDENTIAL MICROGRID

Abstract

The need for renewable energy sources is growing as demand rises and the grid ages. Microgrid technologies increase energy resilience and utilize renewable sources for self-sustained systems. Current microgrid systems rely on battery storage, which degrades quickly and require expensive materials for production. By utilizing hydrogen technologies for energy storage, a 19-home residential microgrid located in Tucson, Arizona can rely on solar and hydrogen for complete energy needs. The system includes major unit operations of photovoltaic cells, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and a PEM fuel cell. Minor unit operations include inverters, heat exchangers, compressors, batteries, and pumps. Mathematical modeling in MATLAB and Python using real solar irradiance and energy demand (load) data offers optimization quantifications and system feasibility. The comprehensive design includes environmental, economic, and hazard analysis while exploring the social and cultural implications of system application. All design considerations are modular and scalable, meaning simple alterations for applications of other renewable such as wind and hydroelectric for alternate microgrid applications such as data centers and electric vehicle charging. The system is optimized to minimize water use, minimize footprint, and maximize community resilience to weather events and natural disasters.