Integration of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Hydrogen Refueling Stations

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates hydrogen production using renewable energy, with an emphasis on system reliability and hydrogen storage methods for periods of insufficient electric power. The study was conducted at a refueling station in Dumat Al-Jandal, Saudi Arabia. It utilized HOMER software to simulate different arrangements incorporating solar (PV) arrays, wind turbines (WT), converters, batteries, electrolyzers, and hydrogen tanks. The purpose is to optimize the system to fulfill a daily hydrogen need of 25 kg. The results indicate that the most efficient setup consists of a 208 kW photovoltaic (PV) array, 7 wind turbine (WT) units, a 71 kW converter, a 100 kW electrolyzer, a 100 kg hydrogen storage tank, and a 342-battery array. The arrangement attains a levelized energy cost of $0.452 per kilowatt-hour, a hydrogen production cost of $6.22 per kilogram, and a net present cost of $645,000, allowing a significant reduction of CO2 emissions by preventing the release of 372 metric tons of CO2 per year. The findings provide stakeholders with crucial information on optimizing hybrid renewable energy for hydrogen production at refueling stations. The study underscores the significant potential for integrating such systems into refueling infrastructures as a pathway toward environmentally sustainable and economically viable hydrogen production.