Techno-Economic Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems, Green Hydrogen and Batteries Integration for Sustainable Energy Transitions Across Multiple Applications and Regions

Abstract

The global transition to renewable energy is driving extensive research into the integration and optimization of photovoltaic (PV) systems and green hydrogen production to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. This dissertation presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of PV systems, energy storage, and hydrogen production across various configurations, applications, and geographical locations. First, a detailed evaluation of utility-scale PV systems in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was conducted to determine the optimal configuration for maximum power generation and minimal energy losses. The study compared monofacial and bifacial PV modules with different mounting structures and identified that bifacial PV panels with single-axis tracking provide the best performance, reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) to as low as 2.1 cents/kWh. The feasibility of integrating these PV systems with a solar-electrolyzer for hydrogen production was also explored, demonstrating a competitive Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) of $2.53/kg, highlighting the potential for attracting green hydrogen investments in the UAE. Building on this foundation, a green hydrogen-based commercial microgrid was designed to enhance energy resilience in office buildings in the UAE. The system integrates PV energy with a reversible fuel cell (RFC) to store and supply electricity during non-PV hours. The analysis revealed that the system could meet 75% of its load demand independently from the grid with a 78% renewable energy fraction. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the significant influence of capital costs and discount rates on LCOH and energy storage costs, emphasizing the economic challenges and opportunities for hydrogen-based microgrids. Further investigation into renewable energy storage examined the comparative performance of PV systems coupled with lithium-ion batteries (PV-LIB) and RFCs (PV-RFC). The study optimized system component sizes to minimize excess energy generation while maintaining high renewable energy fractions. Results indicated that the PV-LIB system achieved an LCOE of $0.069/kWh, significantly lower than the PV-RFC system’s $0.166/kWh. However, the PV-RFC system demonstrated a 95.43% renewable fraction, making it a viable alternative for long-term sustainable energy storage despite higher initial costs. The dissertation also explores the cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency of grid-connected energy storage systems (ESS), specifically Proton Exchange Membrane-Reversible Fuel Cells (PEM-RFC) and Lithium-ion Batteries (LIB). The findings suggest that while current implementation costs make ESS integration impractical, future cost reductions—such as a 58.5% reduction in LIB LCOE—could enhance feasibility. A comparative analysis of PEM-RFC and LIB as energy storage solutions under dynamic grid electricity pricing conditions revealed the potential to optimize storage systems for economic viability. Expanding the research beyond the UAE, the study assessed the integration of bifacial PV panels with PEM-RFCs across five U.S. cities with diverse climatic conditions. The analysis demonstrated significant economic benefits, with bifacial PV panels improving energy yields by up to 20% and reducing LCOE by 16%, LCOH by 14%, and Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) by 13%. These findings emphasize the role of bifacial PV and PEM-RFC systems in enhancing renewable energy storage and economic efficiency in varying environmental conditions. Finally, the dissertation investigates the economic and technological prospects of mobile living- Fuel Cell Recreational Vehicles (FCRVs) as a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel RVs. A detailed cost analysis projects a 75% reduction in unit costs with largescale production and a further 62% cost decrease by 2050, driven by economies of scale and advancements in fuel cell technology. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis highlights potential long-term savings, reinforcing FCRVs as a viable component in the transition to sustainable transportation.

Date of Award	25 Apr 2025
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Ahmad Mayyas (Supervisor)