Powering the Future: A Review of Green Hydrogen Production from Photovoltaic Sources
Key Ideas
- The paper reviews power converters used for supplying polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers from photovoltaic sources to produce green hydrogen, offering a promising solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Various methods of hydrogen production are discussed, with a focus on water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic energy, showcasing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
- Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers are highlighted as a key technology expected to replace alkaline systems by 2030, offering advantages such as reduced operational costs, high current density, and compatibility with photovoltaic sources.
- Future perspectives include the development of new wide-bandgap devices and addressing hard-to-abate sectors in the entire hydrogen conversion chain, emphasizing the importance of green hydrogen in the transition to a sustainable energy system.
The paper provides a comprehensive review and outlook on power converters designed to supply polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers from photovoltaic sources for green hydrogen production. This green hydrogen is a vital solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change by offering zero-emission energy. The focus is on power converters with a rated power up to a tenth of a kW, making them suitable for decentralized green hydrogen production. The review discusses various power conversion system topologies, loss analysis, and key characteristics of converters proposed in recent years for practical applications. The article emphasizes the significance of hydrogen as a zero-carbon energy carrier and its potential in storing energy and producing zero-emission fuel.
Hydrogen production methods are explored, with an emphasis on water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic energy. The paper highlights the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of water electrolysis compared to fossil energy reforming, especially when supported by renewable energy. Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers are identified as a promising technology set to replace alkaline systems by 2030, offering advantages such as reduced operational costs and high current density. The article also addresses the challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen production sector, including the expected cost reductions in water electrolysis by 2030 and 2050, making it a competitive alternative to other hydrogen production methods.
The discussion extends to various electrolyzer technologies in the market, such as alkaline electrolysis, polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers, and solid oxide electrolyzers, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each technology. The potential of PEM electrolyzers to be powered by photovoltaic sources is underlined, driving the research and development of new converters. The article also touches on the importance of addressing hard-to-abate sectors and the role of green hydrogen in the decarbonization process. Overall, the paper offers insights into the current status and future prospects of green hydrogen production, emphasizing its pivotal role in the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
Topics
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Climate Change
Energy Storage
Decarbonization
Electricity Generation
Power Converters
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