Energy-Environmental Modelling of a PEM-Type Fuel Cell for Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen is being considered nowadays as a fuel for the future due to its multiple applications and also its potential contribution to carbon emission reduction. In this research, a preliminary energy-environmental modelling is carried out considering hydrogen production based on renewable energies and a PEM fuel cell for electricity production. In this case, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using two 250-Wp solar photovoltaic modules and a 400-W wind energy converter for combined electricity generation under local conditions. Carbon emission reduction is estimated considering a partial potential substitution of fossil fuels by green hydrogen and using an overall carbon dioxide factor for the national electric grid. Outcoming results show that 698.1 kWh/yr could be locally produced considering a solar radiation of 3825 Wh/m²-day. Also, 188.9 kWh/yr could be locally produced considering a mean wind speed of 3.1 m/s measured at 10 m height. Besides, 56.1 kWh is needed to obtain 1 kg of hydrogen through electrolysis using a PEM fuel cell. It is concluded that a combined daily solar-wind electricity production of 2.43 kWh could help to reduce 496 kgCO₂/yr due to a partial substitution of fossil fuels by green hydrogen. Last but not least, a demonstrative module has been set up, for educational purposes, at the Environmental Engineering Department located on the main campus of the National University of Engineering, in Lima-Peru.