Design and Modeling of an Integrated CHP System With Solar Hydrogen/Methane Fueled PEM Fuel Cell for Residential Applications

This paper describes the designing and evaluation of an alternative energy system which consists of PEMFC, PV, PEM electrolyser, methane reformer and hydrogen tank. In order to find out the minimum capacity of the components, a system sizing model is developed in MATLAB based on meteorological and electrical demand data. Three scenarios are considered based on different combinations of solar energy and fossil fuel energy as energy resources. The heating energy produced by the fuel cell is recovered for supplying domestic hot water while the system would supply electrical energy. Results show that system sizing strongly depends on scenarios and unit cost of electricity decreases through the reduction of solar energy contribution in scenarios. CHP analysis indicates that the overall energy efficiency and fuel cell efficiency are increased approximately 3.4% and 40% respectively. Furthermore, the cost benefit ratio of using the fuel cell heat is equivalent to 25% of the total annual cost of the electricity.