Performance Optimization of Hybrid Energy System Considering Hydrogen Storage System and Fuel Cell Under Real-Time Load Response Program

In recent decades, energy demand has increased dramatically due to industrialization, population growth, and improved living standards. This increase in demand is especially evident in developing countries and doubles the necessity of using energy storage systems. This paper investigates the optimal performance of hydrogen storage systems (HSS) and fuel cells (FC) for the simultaneous provision of electrical and thermal loads. In this proposed system, using water electrolysis (WE), electricity is converted into hydrogen and stored in tank. The stored hydrogen helps meet FC needs thermal and electrical loads. Also, by using the real-time pricing method (RTP) and demand response program (DRP), the electric load consumption management is optimized and the load curve is smoothed. The results indicate that the operating cost in the Time-of-Use (TOU) system decreased from 17.12 $/day to 12.70 $/day in the RTP system, which corresponds to a 25.9% reduction in costs compared to the TOU pricing model. This method not only helps to reduce energy costs but also increases the reliability of electrical networks.