Experience in the design, sizing, economics, and implementation of autonomous wind-powered hydrogen production systems

While much research effort has concentrated on utilising solar photovoltaics to generate hydrogen via electrolysis, the possibility of using wind power has received little attention. This paper summarises results from a recent EC-funded project to demonstrate the practicality of such a system and to identify possible drawbacks or areas requiring further development. Specifically, the project examined the effects of fluctuating power supplies on electrolyser operation and the modification of wind turbine operation to smooth power output, assessed the sizing and economics of a wind-hydrogen production plant, and resulted in the construction of a demonstration plant at ENEA's Casaccia Research Centre in Italy. (C) 2000 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.