Design and Analysis of Solar PV-Fuel Cell Hybrid DC Micro grid System

The growing need for sustainable and ecological energy solutions has led to a significant focus on hybrid renewable energy systems. Among these, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Fuel Cell (FC) hybrid systems have emerged as a promising combination for decentralized power generation, particularly in DC micro grid applications. Such systems capitalize on the complementary characteristics of solar PV, which provides energy during sunny conditions, and fuel cells, which ensure reliable backup during periods of low solar irradiance. A Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Fuel Cell (FC)-integrated Hybrid Micro grid System represents a decentralized energy solution that synergistically combines solar PV modules, Fuel Cell technology, and Hydrogen Energy Storage Mechanisms (HESMs) to deliver reliable and efficient power for remote or standalone locations, critical infrastructures, and commercial or industrial operations. In this paper, hybrid renewable energy adopted DC Micro grid has been proposed for the location of Madurai, a southern region of Tamil Nadu, India. The system is analyzed with Homer Pro software to meet the optimum load requirements. The required optimum capacity of solar PV panel, Fuel Cell, Electrolyzer and Hydrogen storage tank are evaluated as 137kW, 10kW, 40kW and 40kg respectively. The levelized energy cost is also figured out as 0.386$/kWh. The simulation results show that 86.8% of total energy demand supplied by solar PV system and the 13.2% demand is met by Fuel Cell with an energy shortage of 5%.