Integrated Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Systems for Renewable Energy Storage and Conversion

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the integration of fuel cell and electrolyzer systems for efficient renewable energy storage and conversion. The increasing reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power necessitates the development of robust energy storage solutions to manage the intermittent nature of these resources. An integrated system combining electrolyzers and fuel cells offers a promising solution by converting excess renewable energy into hydrogen via electrolysis, which can be stored and later converted back into electricity using fuel cells during periods of low renewable energy availability. This study models the operation of such a system, analyzing key performance metrics including hydrogen production, storage efficiency, and electricity generation. The results demonstrate the potential of integrated fuel cell and electrolyzer systems to enhance the reliability and flexibility of renewable energy systems, providing a sustainable approach to energy management and contributing to the advancement of energy storage technologies.

Keywords

• integrated energy storage
• fuel cell
• electrolyzer
• renewable energy
• hydrogen production