Designing hybrid energy storage systems for steady green hydrogen production in residential areas: A GIS-based framework

The constant operation of water electrolyzers prevents degradation caused by operational fluctuations, preserving performance. This study introduces a MILP-based design framework for hybrid energy storage systems, integrating photovoltaic systems, Lithium-ion batteries, and alkaline electrolyzers operating at constant rated conditions. The framework targets energy-independent residential users, fully meeting electrical loads while incorporating spatial analysis via a GIS-based management module. Applied to the Italian context, the framework uses historical data for residential end-users with 1.5 − 3.0 kW electrical loads. The results indicate photovoltaic systems sized between 3.0 − 4.5 kW, Lithium-ion batteries with 6.0 − 7.0 kWh capacity, and alkaline electrolyzers sized at 100 − 260 W for daily loads of 2.8 − 6.0 kWh. Lithium-ion batteries account for approximately 60 % of the total system cost. A levelized hydrogen cost of 12 − 19 €/kg is required to cover the overall investment costs. Additionally, the system offers environmental benefits, with CO 2 emission reductions of approximately 0.35 to 0.83 tons per user annually. • A geo-referenced approach for grid-independent hydrogen production is proposed. • Steady green hydrogen production is carried out with a 95 % – 100 % load factor. • Italian NUTS2 system: 2 − 3 kW PV, 6 − 7 kWh Li-ion battery, 100 – 260 W electrolyzer. • Hydrogen € 12 − 19 /kg for cost recovery, cutting CO 2 by 0.35 - 0.83 tons/year per user. • Optimal residential green hydrogen locations can be precisely identified economically and environmentally.