Dynamic Behavior of Solar PV and Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Diverse Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The growing global demand for clean and reliable energy has intensified the need for sustainable solutions. Hybrid electrical energy systems, which integrate two or more renewable and/or conventional energy sources, have emerged as a promising approach for efficient and continuous electrical energy generation. Hybrid Energy Systems (HES) offer a sustainable and effective solution to the increasing global demand for a reliable power supply. These systems provide operational flexibility as either grid-connected or stand-alone configurations, making them a viable alternative to conventional energy sources. Stand-alone HES powered by renewable energy sources (RES) are particularly beneficial for remote and off grid locations where grid extension is not feasible. This study evaluates the feasibility of a stand-alone HES designed to supply power efficiently under varying climatic conditions for an off-grid rural settlement. The proposed system integrates three primary power sources: a photovoltaic (PV) system as the main energy source, a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) as a supplementary power source during low solar availability, and a battery storage system for energy backup and stability. The power conversion stages include DC/DC boost conversion, three-phase inversion, and LC filtering to ensure compatibility with AC loads. A MATLAB/Simulink-based simulation was conducted using real solar radiation data, load variations, and seasonal climatic conditions. The results demonstrated the coordinated operation of the PV system, fuel cell, and battery storage, ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply throughout the day. Voltage stability is also a critical aspect of electrical power system. This thesis focuses on generation of electricity under varying conditions along with evaluation of voltage stability Keywords: Hybrid Energy System, Renewable Energy, Stand-alone Power Supply, Photovoltaic System, Fuel Cell, MATLAB/Simulink Simulation newline newline newline