Production of Hydrogen using a Coupled Water Electrolyzer-Solar Photovoltaic System

Centralized Production of Hydrogen using a Coupled Water Electrolyzer-Solar Photovoltaic System 

The use of PV electricity for electrolytic H2 production is a means of storing solar energy and overcoming its limitations as an intermittent power source. However, the intermittency of solar energy reduces the utilization capacity factor of electrolysis plants, which increases H2 production cost. The relevant question is whether the 

In all cases, the analysis draws on the perspective of the Terawatt Challenge for Thin Film PV in terms of PV costs, efficiencies, reliability, and progress towards these goals.1 The study assumes progress in PV technologies will occur. Then the important questions to be examined are Does it matter Will PV electricity be inexpensive enough to make electrolytic H2 production practical The study will answer these in the positive. 

The organization of the study is as follows. In the first Section, a H2 production and distribution system is described. Secondly, capital and levelized H2 price estimates are investigated for each of the H2 system components. Thirdly, a life cycle evaluation of primary energy and GHG emissions in the H2 fuel cycle is performed. Sensitivity analyses are performed for the H2 price and the life cycle energy and GHG emissions estimates. The study concludes with a summary of findings and suggestions for future research. 

Each PV electrolysis plant produces 216-million kilograms of H2 per year. This H2 production level is sufficient to support the annual H2 consumption of one-million FCVs. In addition, the H2 production level takes into account 3% H2 distribution losses and the use of H2 to power pipeline booster compressors, city gate compressors, and city gate distribution trucks.1 One-million FCVs consume 202-million kilograms of H2 per year, which is based on an average FCV fuel economy of 54.5 

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