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Solar-powered regenerative PEM electrolyzer/fuel cell system

2005; Elsevier BV; Volume: 79; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.solener.2004.10.013

1471-1257

Daniel I. Shapiro, John Duffy, Michael C. Kimble, Michael Pien,

Advanced Battery Technologies Research

An electrolyzer/fuel cell energy storage system is a promising alternative to batteries for storing energy from solar electric power systems. Such a system was designed, including a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, high-pressure hydrogen and oxygen storage, and a PEM fuel cell. The system operates in a closed water loop. A prototype system was constructed, including an experimental PEM electrolyzer and combined gas/water storage tanks. Testing goals included general system feasibility, characterization of the electrolyzer performance (target was sustainable 1.0 A/cm2 at 2.0 V per cell), performance of the electrolyzer as a compressor, and evaluation of the system for direct-coupled use with a PV array. When integrated with a photovoltaic array, this type of system is expected to provide reliable, environmentally benign power to remote installations. If grid-coupled, this system (without PV array) would provide high-quality backup power to critical systems such as telecommunications and medical facilities.