A review of renewable hydrogen hybrid energy systems towards a sustainable energy value chain

Abstract

Hydrogen could be a technically feasible energy vector in many circumstances, ranging from small-scale electricity provision for remote locations to large-scale hydrogen export. Additionally, the challenge of long-term/seasonal energy storage is universal when it comes to providing electricity from renewable energy systems with high levels of availability. Renewable hydrogen energy systems are, however, complex due to the transformations involved in their production, storage, and usage. Therefore, understanding the system topographies, as well as modeling the system components is critical at the design stage. This is because all components, such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells, need to interface and work together optimally. Thus, this review is presented from a system perspective, aiming to elucidate how a sustainable hybrid energy system can incorporate hydrogen generation, storage, and conversion. In addition, we examine the literature on the sizing methods of system components and discuss their integration. We also discuss opportunities and challenges for renewable hydrogen hybrid energy systems.