OPTIMIZED DESIGN OF GRID CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC AND FUEL CELL HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM FOR REVERSE OSMOSIS DESALINATION PLANT

The main objective of the present study is to perform simulation, and modeling analysis for the optimized design of grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM FC) hybrid energy system for reverse osmosis desalination plant. The goal is to integrate renewable and clean energy technologies for seawater desalination. Grid (baseline), and grid-tied hybrid solar PV/fuel cell power systems are designed and tested. The performance of the renewable power system, the cost of energy and CO₂ emissions are determined. The simulation data show that the grid connected photovoltaic and fuel cell hybrid energy system meet the energy demand of the desalination plant without shortage. The proposed grid connected hybrid renewable power system offers the best overall performance compared to the grid: High power generation from renewable source (31%), good cost of energy (110 $/MWh-13% cost reduction), and low CO₂ emissions (430 kg CO₂/MWh – 32% CO₂ emissions reduction).