Conference article

The use of PV array energy in supplying the electrolyzer systems is very suitable. During the daylight hours; the sunlight converts by PV array into electrical energy which will be used for electrolyzing process. Then hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer is compressed and stored in hydrogen vessel. This provides energy for the fuel cell to meet the load when the solar energy is insufficient. Solar hydrogen technology is relatively simple and the only raw material for the production of solar hydrogen is water. In this study technical results obtained from direct connection of 10 kW PV array with 5 kW electrolyzer systems for hydrogen production and storage at Taleghan site. Variations of the solar radiation intensity; hydrogen production rate; solar hydrogen efficiency and overall efficiency of solar hydrogen energy were considered as base of analyses. It is found that the minimum and maximum overall energy efficiency values of the system are 0.93 % and 5.01 %; respectively. The result shows a great potential in direct solar radiation for absorbing and converting it to other types of energy in Iran. Using solar energy required high initial investment; so converting solar energy to other types of energy with high efficiency systems is vital.

Photovoltaic; Water Electrolysis; Hydrogen Production; System Efficiency; Taleghan