Development of a 10 kW Photovoltaic- Hydrogen- Fuel cell System in México

  • Sebastian Joseph, CIE-UNAM, Mexico
  • Dr Sergio Gamboa, CIE-UNAM, Mexico
  • Mr Set Vejar, Mexico
  • In this work we present the most important results obtained from the design and development of a 10 kW PV-hydrogen-fuel cell hybrid power plant for supplying electricity to a building of the CIE-UNAM, (Energy Research Center – National Autonomous University of Mexico). An arrangement of photovoltaic modules (125 W/module) was established to provide 10 kW installed power in a three-phase configuration at 127 Vrms/phase. A 5 kW fuel cell system (hydrogen/oxygen) operate as a dynamic backup of the photovoltaic system. The autonomous operation of the hybrid power system implies the production of hydrogen by electrolysis. The hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis using an electrolyzer of 1 kW power. The electric energy used to produce hydrogen is supplied from solar panels by using 1 kW of photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic modules are installed in a sun-tracker arrangement for increasing the energy conversion efficiency. The hydrogen is stored in solar to electric commercial metal hydride based containers and supplied to the fuel cell. The hybrid system is monitored by internet and some dynamic characteristics such as demanding power, energy and power factor could be analyzed independently from the system. Some energy saving recommendations has been implemented as a pilot program at CIE-UNAM to improve the efficient use of clean energy in normal operating conditions in offices and laboratories.