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Optimal Design and Analysis of a Hybrid Hydrogen Energy Storage System for an Island-Based Renewable Energy Community

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  • Robert Garner

    (College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Zahir Dehouche

    (College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK)

Abstract

Installations of decentralised renewable energy systems (RES) are becoming increasing popular as governments introduce ambitious energy policies to curb emissions and slow surging energy costs. This work presents a novel model for optimal sizing for a decentralised renewable generation and hybrid storage system to create a renewable energy community (REC), developed in Python. The model implements photovoltaic (PV) solar and wind turbines combined with a hybrid battery and regenerative hydrogen fuel cell (RHFC). The electrical service demand was derived using real usage data from a rural island case study location. Cost remuneration was managed with an REC virtual trading layer, ensuring fair distribution among actors in accordance with the European RED(III) policy. A multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) stochastically determines the system capacities such that the inherent trade-off relationship between project cost and decarbonisation can be observed. The optimal design resulted in a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.15 EUR/kWh, reducing costs by over 50% compared with typical EU grid power, with a project internal rate of return (IRR) of 10.8%, simple return of 9.6%/year, and return on investment (ROI) of 9 years. The emissions output from grid-only use was reduced by 72% to 69 gCO 2 e /kWh. Further research of lifetime economics and additional revenue streams in combination with this work could provide a useful tool for users to quickly design and prototype future decentralised REC systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Garner & Zahir Dehouche, 2023. "Optimal Design and Analysis of a Hybrid Hydrogen Energy Storage System for an Island-Based Renewable Energy Community," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:21:p:7363-:d:1271643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Superchi, Francesco & Bianchini, Alessandro & Moustakis, Antonis & Pechlivanoglou, George, 2025. "Towards sustainable energy independence: A case study of green hydrogen as seasonal storage integration in a small island," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    2. Yu, Binbin & Fan, Guangyao & Sun, Kai & Chen, Jing & Sun, Bo & Tian, Peigen, 2024. "Adaptive energy optimization strategy of island renewable power-to-hydrogen system with hybrid electrolyzers structure," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    3. Wei, Guomeng & Qu, Zhiguo & Zhang, Jianfei & Chen, Weiwen, 2025. "Techno-economic analysis of zero/negative carbon electricity-hydrogen-water hybrid system with renewable energy in remote island," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 381(C).

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