Partial Load Efficiency of Photovoltaics in Direct Coupling to Hydrogen Electrolysis

There are still many challenges to be overcome in order to achieve the goal of climate-neutral energy supply. On the one hand, there is a need for massive expansion of solar or wind energy and, on the other, further technological development in terms of performance, reliability and flexibility. Here, hydrogen (H2) can act as a central bridge between the volatile energy from sun or wind and the still dominant hydrocarbon-based energy system. Here we present two research initiatives (PH2ÖNIX and a mini-H2 technology demonstrator) investigating the use of photovoltaics and hydrogen production in direct DC coupling, one in a small set-up with research components and one with real components for industrial sites.