One of the most promising ways to increase the availability of solar energy is to convert more production to hydrogen. The PECSYS project has investigated the best possible material and technology combinations to facilitate such operations.
It all comes down to electrolysis. By pairing photovoltaic (PV) modules with the electroless system, you can convert excess electricity to hydrogen and use it later, as demand begins to exceed supply.
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There is no need for backup batteries or DC-DC converters. Hydrogen can be used in many industrial processes, and users are provided with a zero-net carbon energy cycle, from generation to storage and use. The PECSYS (Technology Demonstration of Large-Scale Photo-Electrochemical System for Solar Hydrogen Production) project aims to advance this technique by exploring various combinations of electrolysers and PV cells. “Initially the plan was to test various materials and then select the best for final implementation in a demonstrator.
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However, we soon learned that different approaches offer different benefits. Instead of cancelling multiple options and keeping only one, we, therefore, decided to investigate several technologies, ”says Sonya Callan, group head, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZBB) and project coordinator for fuel technology to photovoltaic.
Coupled or Integrated?
On the electrolyzer front, the consortium focused on both direct coupling and PV-integrated electrolysers. Direct coupling of PVs and electroliers is not new, but the team found that there is still scope to optimize their engineering. As Callan explains: “Our partners at Forschungzentrum Jülich developed unique polymer electrolyte membrane PEM stacks with low platinum group catalytic loading and systems.
These water inputs are received only from the cathode side. In doing so, we reduce complexity and reduce the cost of our solution compared to traditional electrolysers. "Photo Voltaic - integrated electrolyte were used for completing the research gap.
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No studies had ever demonstrated their long-term outdoor operations at sizes greater than the laboratory scale. Both HZB and Uppsala University filled this gap while avoiding the use of platinum group metals for catalysts and using proven PV technologies to capture solar energy. On the PV front, the consortium chose silicon heterojunction PV cells and CuInGaSe PV cells, respectively.
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They chose the former because of their high solar-to-power conversion efficiency, low-temperature coefficient, high open-circuit voltage, and their internal bifurcation capability. Finally, the move was justified by existing plans to build one or more large manufacturing facilities in Europe. "CuInGaSe PV cells were selected because the bandgap is handily matched. We can match the voltage of PLN and electrolysis cells based on local climatic conditions at the site of operation.
Test fields
The two most notable results of the project are undoubtedly its test field performance. In Zürich, Germany, the project partners set up a solar collection area of 8.2 square meters. It consists of full-size silicon heterogenization modules and CuInGaSe modules connected to a PEM electrolyzer.
This installation produced an average of 42.9 g / h hydrogen with hydrogen efficiency up to 10% of continuous outdoor operation in a month. A second demonstration by the Italian Research Council in Catania, Italy included a collection area of 730 cm using silicon heterojunction PV modules in bifacial operation. “Bifaciality represents an innovative solution to increase hydrogen production yield without increasing costs.
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We can demonstrate hydrogen-to-solar efficiency of 13.5% and a hydrogen production rate of 307 mg / h and an ambient temperature of 25 ° C at a solar radiation level of 1 000 W / m2. This is a 14% increase compared to mono facial operation, ”Callan and his colleagues explained. The project is set for completion in December 2020.
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Meanwhile, the team will determine the benefits of their solution, along with completing the final assembly of unified protesters. In the long run, he hopes the project will contribute to new ideas for the deployment of low-cost, autonomous renewable energy systems.
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