Hydrogen-based autonomous power

Market Potential of Hydrogen-based Autonomous Power Systems.137... 

The basic principles for the design and pre-feasibility analysis of hydrogen-based autonomous power systems are also given. The main outcome of the techno-economic analysis is the identification of technical and non-technical barriers and respective potential benefits for the implementation of hydrogen-based autonomous power systems in the short term and medium term as well. The analysis performed in this section of the book is based on real technology and market parameters acquired during the operation of these autonomous power systems rather than on theoretical assumptions. 

Then, the market potential for hydrogen-based autonomous power systems is analysed both from demand and supply side points of view and the emerging market is qualitatively estimated. Based on the techno-economic analyses and the analysis of the market potential presented before, barriers and benefits for the introduction of hydrogen in stand-alone power systems are stressed and a detailed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) Analysis is given. The SWOT analysis will be a valuable tool for possible investors in the field. 

The operational parameters calculated in the context of the simulation process and the results of techno-economic analysis of the hybrid system were used in the comparison of the PV-diesel and the envisaged PV-hydrogen power system in order to evaluate its technical feasibility and financial viability of the proposed hydrogen-based autonomous power system. 

According to Zoulias el al., 2006, water electrolysers have found to comprise a major cost factor in a complete hydrogen-based autonomous power system. In this case a cost of 8150 per N m3/h of hydrogen produced was used in our calculations. The high cost of commercial electrolysis units is attributed to the lack of mass production from all manufacturers. Mass production of electrolysis units is expected to result in a 50% reduction on the capital cost. Two sizes for electrolysis units have been considered in the analysis 3.2 N m3/h of hydrogen produced (16 kW) and 4.2 N m3/h of hydrogen produced (21 kW). The lifetime of the electrolysers was 20 years. 

The optimisation of the hydrogen-based autonomous power system, presented schematically in Figure 5.4 revealed that the optimum system configuration comprises a 15.9-kW PV array, an 8-kW PEM fuel cell, an electrolyser with a nominal capacity of 16 kW and a hydrogen storage tank capable of storing 450 kg of compressed gas. The optimal system configuration does not contain any battery... 

The operational characteristics of the optimal PV-hydrogen system configuration are demonstrated in Table 5.4. As can be derived from this table, the hydrogen-based autonomous power system produces 39,347 kWh per year, with photovoltaics producing the highest fiaction of this amount (around 72%). As expected the renewable energy fraction of energy produced from this system is 100% and therefore diesel fiiel consumption and carbon emissions are now eliminated. 

Similarly to the analysis of all other case studies, the objective of Fair Isle s autonomous power system simulation was the identification of all important operational parameters that will be used as a basis for comparison to the proposed hydrogen-based autonomous power system described in the next section. 

Rauhelleren Wind-hydrogen Power System Techno-economic Analysis The results of the techno-economic analysis of Rauhelleren s hydrogen-based autonomous power system taking into account both current and future cost scenarios for hydrogen energy technologies (presented in Table 5.5) are compared in this section. 

In this section the basic principles that should be taken into account in the design and optimisation of hydrogen-based autonomous power systems will be described in detail. The most important design parameters, having a significant impact on the economics of autonomous hydrogen-based autonomous power systems will be analysed. The most significant conclusions derived from the analysis of all case studies presented in previous sections will also be summarised. 

Finally, the techno-economic analysis of specific case studies of already existing autonomous power systems revealed that such systems can be a significant short- to medium-term market niche. In the presented case studies it was shown that specific hydrogen-based autonomous power systems can be financially competitive to respective power systems using conventional power-generation equipment, even in the short term. Moreover, the introduction of hydrogen in autonomous power systems has significant environmental benefits and it can contribute to the security of power supply of remote communities. 

Autonomous rural houses are considered as an apphcation with a large market potential for hydrogen-based autonomous power systems. The typical characteristics of this application resemble the characteristics of rural villages, but they are very dependent on users behaviour and lifestyle. Naturally the load profile is again fluctuating. 

Therefore hydrogen-based autonomous power systems can be introduced in this market segment, where the environmental friendly and emission-free profile of power generation is of great importance. 

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