Performance Assessment of PV/Fuel-Cell Stand-Alone Systems with Hydrogen Storage for the Electrification of Remote Residential Dwellings in the Oman Climate

Many strategies can contribute to the UN's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions in 2050. In the Gulf region, renewable energy, such as solar power, is abundantly available. As a result, the use of solar PV for conventional diesel-powered power generation at village-level microgrids can contribute to achieving the region's energy transition targets. Though solar PV can be a viable option to address the power needs of remote places, its ability to deliver continuous power supply is a significant limitation. Taking the benefits of a solar fuel cell system into account, this paper presents a technical analysis on the feasibility of establishing one for modest residences in Wadi Al Jizzi, Sohar, Oman. These dwellings have power and energy usage ratings of 10–25 kW and 12–40 kWh/day, respectively. We conducted the research using NREL's system advisor model. Through simulations and mathematical analysis, the best ratings were found for the PV array, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the inverter, the electrolyzer, and the hydrogen storage. The calculated green hydrogen, PEMFC, electrolyzer, and PV array requirements for the standalone system are 0.53–1.31 kg per day, 13–33 kW, 10–27 kW, and 21–54 kW, respectively, to power each house. The data suggest that overall conversion efficiency ranges between 11 and 13 percent. Further research on economic elements can demonstrate the suggested system's techno-economic viability.