Calculation of efficiency of hydrogen storage system at the fuel cells laboratory

This paper deals with accumulation of electric power by means of hydrogen technology and reverse transformation of such power stored in hydrogen into electric power again. The crucial part of this paper comprises calculation of efficiency achieved by accumulation of power into hydrogen, including the efficiency of individual components forming the accumulation (storage) system located in the fuel cells laboratory of VřB - TU Ostrava. The source of renewable energy in this system is represented by a small photovoltaic power plant feeding the hydrogen generator - electrolyzer as the main appliance for reverse chemical transformation together with hydrogen fuel cells. Both of these appliances operate at low temperature, they are based on PEM (Proton Exchange Membranes) technology. The electrolyzer ensures decomposition of purified water to oxygen and hydrogen by action of direct electric current. The fuel cell houses a reverse process, when chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen are electric power of water result in production of electric power and water.