Hydrogen Storage and Reversible Fuel Cells for Grid Balancing in Mixed Solar Communities

This study examines integrating a hydrogen-based reversible fuel cell system within a Santa Barbara County, California residential community to alleviate grid congestion caused by excess photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. By converting surplus PV energy into hydrogen for storage and later reconversion to electricity, the community enhances renewable energy utilization and reduces reliance on grid imports. This approach increases the renewable energy consumption of pro-sumers—households who both produce and consume energy, such as those with rooftop PV systems—and consumers and mitigates the strain on the grid from energy exports. The findings demonstrate the economic viability and effectiveness of using hydrogen storage systems to manage surplus renewable energy in communities with high PV penetration.