Abstract :
A brief review shows that domestic production of hydrogen to fuel a car is feasible by using various means. Among
these, the solar––photovoltaic electricity––electrolysis process seems to be the most practical if a renewable energy
source is to be used. A simplified model has been developed to determine and optimize the thermal and economical
performance of domestic photovoltaic-electrolyzer systems, either with fixed or sun tracking panels using annual total
solar radiation on a horizontal surface and climatic data. Twelve locations in the United Sates from four climatic zones
(tropical-sub tropical, dry, temperate, cool snow-forest) have been selected. Simulations have been carried out to
produce data for hydrogen production for these various locations and the resulting data have been correlated to obtain
hydrogen production in kg/kWp/year photovoltaic system as a function of total annual solar radiation on horizontal
surface. The economical feasibility has been studied by taking the photovoltaic and electrolyzer systems’ price as
variable parameters. It is assumed that the necessary capital is 100% borrowed from a financial institution to pay back
in monthly installments. It has been found that the hydrogen production with fixed photovoltaic panels varies from 26
to 42 kg/kWp/year and the cost from 25 to 268 $/GJ.
2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
