Modeling and analysis of solar photovoltaic-electrolyzer-fuel cell hybrid power system integrated with a floriculture greenhouse

This paper presents the modeling and analysis of a greenhouse-integrated power system consisting of solar photovoltaic panels, electrolyzer bank and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks. Electric power is generated in an array of solar photovoltaic modules. Excess energy after meeting the requirements of the greenhouse during peak sunshine hours, is supplied to an electrolyzer bank to generate hydrogen gas, which is consumed by the PEM fuel cell stack to support the power requirement during the energy deficit hours. The predicted performance of the integrated system is presented for different climatic conditions, for a given location (Kolkata) in the Indian subcontinent. The study reveals that 51 solar photovoltaic modules each of 75W(P) along with a 3.3 kW electrolyzer and 2 PEM fuel cell stacks, each of 480 W. can support the energy requirement of a 90m(2) floriculture greenhouse with fan-pad ventilated system. The study shows that this integrated power system provides a viable option for powering stand-alone greenhouses in a self-sustained manner. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.