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Optimal Operation of a Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell Coupled Integrated Energy System

Author

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  • Oscar Utomo

    (School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK)

  • Muditha Abeysekera

    (School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK)

  • Carlos E. Ugalde-Loo

    (School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen’s Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK)

Abstract

Integrated energy systems have become an area of interest as with growing energy demand globally, means of producing sustainable energy from flexible sources is key to meet future energy demands while keeping carbon emissions low. Hydrogen is a potential solution for providing flexibility in the future energy mix as it does not emit harmful gases when used as an energy source. In this paper, an integrated energy system including hydrogen as an energy vector and hydrogen storage is studied. The system is used to assess the behaviour of a hydrogen production and storage system under different renewable energy generation profiles. Two case studies are considered: a high renewable energy generation scenario and a low renewable energy generation scenario. These provide an understanding of how different levels of renewable penetration may affect the operation of an electrolyser and a fuel cell against an electricity import/export pricing regime. The mathematical model of the system under study is represented using the energy hub approach, with system optimisation through linear programming conducted via MATLAB to minimise the total operational cost. The work undertaken showcases the unique interactions the fuel cell has with the hydrogen storage system in terms of minimising grid electricity import and exporting stored hydrogen as electricity back to the grid when export prices are competitive.

Suggested Citation

  • Oscar Utomo & Muditha Abeysekera & Carlos E. Ugalde-Loo, 2021. "Optimal Operation of a Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell Coupled Integrated Energy System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3525-:d:522049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriele Loreti & Andrea Luigi Facci & Stefano Ubertini, 2021. "High-Efficiency Combined Heat and Power through a High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell and Gas Turbine Hybrid System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Mengxuan Yan & Shen-En Peng & Chun Sing Lai & Si-Zhe Chen & Jing Liu & Junhua Xu & Fangyuan Xu & Loi Lei Lai & Gang Chen, 2023. "Two-Layer Optimization Planning Model for Integrated Energy Systems in Hydrogen Refueling Original Station," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.
    3. Li, Fei & Wang, Dong & Guo, Hengdao & Liu, Zhan & Zhang, Jianhua & Lin, Zhifang, 2025. "Two-stage Distributionally robust optimization for hydrogen-IES participation in energy-carbon trading-frequency regulation ancillary services market," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    4. Zhang, Tong & Qadrdan, Meysam & Wu, Jianzhong & Couraud, Benoit & Stringer, Martin & Walker, Sara & Hawkes, Adam & Allahham, Adib & Flynn, David & Pudjianto, Danny & Dodds, Paul & Strbac, Goran, 2025. "A systematic review of modelling methods for studying the integration of hydrogen into energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    5. Cong Liu & Yongjie Zhang, 2022. "Research on Integrated Customer-Side Energy System Planning Method Considering Carbon Emission Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.
    6. Bozzolo Lueckel, Fabio B. & Monaghan, Rory F.D. & Lynch, Muireann Á., 2025. "Hydrogen supply chain modelling at energy system scale: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    7. Blanco, Herib & Leaver, Jonathan & Dodds, Paul E. & Dickinson, Robert & García-Gusano, Diego & Iribarren, Diego & Lind, Arne & Wang, Changlong & Danebergs, Janis & Baumann, Martin, 2022. "A taxonomy of models for investigating hydrogen energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    8. Diming Lou & Yixuan Liu & Yunhua Zhang, 2025. "Influence of Compression Ratio on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines Under Different Excess Air Coefficients," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-19, March.

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