Powering towards cleaner urban Energy: Integrating PV, reversible fuel cells, and batteries

Designing an efficient renewable energy system is critical for achieving cost-effective energy solutions and minimizing excess generation. This study analyzes the optimization of renewable energy systems with two storage configurations: PV solar with Li-ion Batteries (PV-LIB) and PV solar with a reversible fuel cell (PV-RFC). The system maximizes renewable energy integration by optimizing component sizes to meet the buildings load demand. Results indicate that the PV-LIB system requires a smaller PV array than the PV-RFC system due to the higher roundtrip efficiency of Li-ion batteries. The PV-RFC system achieved a renewable fraction of 95.43 %, while the PV-LIB system reached 95.73 %, with 0.068 % excess energy in the PV-RFC system and none in the PV-LIB system. Monthly energy supply distribution analysis highlights the variability of PV generation and the consistent contribution of storage systems. Cost analysis reveals a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of $5.17/kg and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.166/kWh for the PV-RFC system, compared to an LCOE of $0.071/kWh for the PV-LIB system. The PV-LIB system is more economically viable due to lower capital costs and higher efficiency. Both systems demonstrated lower LCOE compared to local grid electricity tariffs, emphasizing their economic advantage.