PV-Hydrogen System Simulator (PVHYDRO)

Project Summary

Full Title:	PV-Hydrogen System Simulator (PVHYDRO)
Project ID:	155
Principal Investigator:	Svein Morner
Brief Description:	PVHYDRO simulates a photovoltaic system with hydrogen as storage medium.

Purpose

Simulate a photovoltaic system with hydrogen as a storage medium.

Performer

Principal Investigator:	Svein Morner
Organization:	University of Wisconsin
Address:	Solar Energy Lab, 1500 Engineering Drive Madison, WI 53706
Telephone:	608-263-1586
Email:	trnsys@sel.me.wisc.edu

Project Description

Type of Project:	Model
Category:	Hydrogen Fuel Pathways

Methodology/Approach:	The photovoltaic hydrogen system has a photovoltaic array with an optional maximum power point tracker that supplies electrical energy to the system. This electrical energy supplies the current energy demand, the battery or the electrolyzer with energy. The first priority is the energy demand. If there is more energy supplied than needed, the battery will be charged to a certain level. After the battery reaches this level, the electrolyzer will be turned on, and the hydrogen produced will be stored in a pressurized tank until needed (winter). The hydrogen will when the solar system does not supply enough energy, be burned in a fuel cell (with a converter) to produce electrical energy or optionally burned in a catalytic burner for heat. In addition, a solar thermal system gives heat to cover some of the hot water heating demand. The load is modeled from a low energy dwelling and will vary depending on what location is chosen for the simulation.

Methodology/Approach:

The photovoltaic hydrogen system has a photovoltaic array with an optional maximum power point tracker that supplies electrical energy to the system. This electrical energy supplies the current energy demand, the battery or the electrolyzer with energy. The first priority is the energy demand. If there is more energy supplied than needed, the battery will be charged to a certain level. After the battery reaches this level, the electrolyzer will be turned on, and the hydrogen produced will be stored in a pressurized tank until needed (winter). The hydrogen will when the solar system does not supply enough energy, be burned in a fuel cell (with a converter) to produce electrical energy or optionally burned in a catalytic burner for heat. In addition, a solar thermal system gives heat to cover some of the hot water heating demand. The load is modeled from a low energy dwelling and will vary depending on what location is chosen for the simulation.

Products/Deliverables

	Description: Model Description and Download http://sel.me.wisc.edu/trnsys/downloads/trnsedapps/demos/pvhydro.htm

Date Last Updated: 03/12/2008