Employing Hydrogen Fuel Cell in Hybrid Energy Systems for Stand-Alone, Off Grid Remote Sites in UAE

Abstract

In this paper, the economic feasibility of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) as part of a stand alone renewable energy system for a remote application in UAE is examined and investigated. HOMER (computer software simulation tool) was used to conduct the analysis for sizing and optimization. The study takes into account the load requirement variations, capital cost (FC, PV and diesel generator cost) and running cost (Hydrogen, PV cleaning, and diesel cost). The costs are based on the location of interest. In addition, equivalent circuit model of the fuel cell system is developed based on experimental data. Simulated results matches the experimental data very well at steady state conditions.