PV generation of hydrogen for operational rawinsonde usage: design and economic analysis

Abstract

Operational meteorological rawinsonde balloons are usually filled by using Helium gas, provided by an external company. Alternatively, renewable energies may be used to generate Hydrogen for operational meteorological balloons usage. In this work, a Hydrogen plant to produce gas by electrolysis, with electricity generated by PV cells, is proposed and designed, to be used in an operational rawinsonde.

Taking into account both technical and legal conditions for solar energy exploitation in Spain, two technical configurations were considered and designed: (a) autonomous system, that is, electric power produced by the PV cells is used to feed the whole process of Hydrogen production; and, (b) connected system, that is, electric power produced by the PV cells is supplied to the Spanish Electric Network (REE) and, at the same time, Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using energy provided by REE. Option (b) can be considered because of the economic benefits set by the Spanish Real Decreto 436/2004, as the energy is provided by REE at a lower price than the energy supplied by the PV cells.

In order to compare both options and the feasibility of the project, an economic analysis is also presented, including: investment evaluation, incomes and expenses analysis. Different sold and consumed power supply prices are considered as well as financial costs, and Helium gas savings. In addition, a feasibility study based on the general criteria of operation and installation, such as payback period, net actual value (NAV) and internal rate of return (ROI) is also presented.