Design and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems for hydrogen production at Aksaray University campus

In this study, an off-grid HRES is proposed to ensure the electricity demands of the campus in a reliable, cost-effective, and non-polluting way for Aksaray University to have a sustainable and green campus. Within this framework, three HRESs were designed and compared using HOMER Pro software to find the optimum HRES, using a combination of different components related to zero carbon emissions and fully renewable energy sources, including transportation with environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cell buses for students, academics, and staff. According to the optimization results obtained for the various configurations, the optimum HRES has a net cost of $20.3 million for the 25-year project life, with annual costs of $1.57 million. The levelized cost of electricity of the proposed system, represented by Scenario III, is calculated to be 0.327$/kWh. The PV panels produce 4,758,497 kWh/year at a levelized cost of 0.0404$/kWh, while the wind turbines produce electricity at a levelized cost of 0.0625$/kWh. The optimal system includes a 2000 kW electrolyzer that produces 73,061 kg of hydrogen annually, with a consumption rate of 46.4 kWh/kgH₂. The hydrogen tank has an energy reserve of 83,333 kWh with a storage capacity of 2500 kg. The results indicate that Scenario III is a robust, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solution for the campus, paving the way for a greener future. Furthermore, the proposed HRES model provides a practical framework that can influence campus energy policies and potentially serves as a model for other educational institutions that are interested in implementing sustainable energy solutions.