Modeling and Performance Evaluation of a Microgrid Coupled to a Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Storage

In this research, a suitable off-grid solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, lead-acid battery, and hydrogen tank-based hybrid system are developed to produce renewable energy to meet the end-user load electricity requirements in the northern Indian states. This research assesses the capability of hydrogen systems to use (in fuel cells) excess renewable power produced and store it (as compressed hydrogen). Four scenarios were examined to determine the best combination of energy technologies to satisfy the load demands of a microgrid in Lucknow, India. The HOMER application simulates and models the hybrid energy system. This study examines the efficiency of a hybrid renewable energy system for a household load demand of 52.00 kWh/day with a peak capacity of 11.04 kW. The best optimal system is obtained by combining a 10 kW hydrogen tank, 10 kW electrolyzer, 13.9 kW solar PV, 51 kWh lead-acid battery, 9.93 kW converter, 10 kW fuel cell, and 9 kW wind turbine. The cost of energy (COE) and total net present cost (NPC) with a 100% renewable fraction are $0.241/kWh and $85,691, respectively. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the design’s resilience to cost, fuel cell, and electrolyzer uncertainties. The simulation findings demonstrated that a hydrogen battery-based microgrid reduced the levelized energy cost and the overall net present cost. With low energy generating costs and the ability to aid in carbon reduction efforts, the suggested hybrid power system can be installed in a freestanding microgrid system that is entirely dependent on renewable energy.