Optimizing Energy Efficiency with Bifacial PV and Reversible Fuel Cells in US Commercial Buildings
Key Ideas
  • Simulation of bifacial PV with PEM reversible fuel cells in US commercial buildings led to significant cost reductions in electricity, hydrogen, and storage.
  • Research showed adaptability across different US climates, with improved energy yield and cost efficiency.
  • Optimal system sizes were determined to minimize excess energy export to the grid, considering grid impact and capital costs.
  • Increasing bifacial PV gain was highlighted as a key factor in enhancing economic efficiency and reducing LCOE in various US regions.
An international research group conducted simulations on the coupling of bifacial PV panels with proton exchange membrane reversible fuel cells to power commercial buildings in five locations across the United States. The study revealed substantial cost reductions in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), hydrogen (LCOH), and storage (LCOS) by optimizing bifacial PV gain. The system demonstrated adaptability to various climates, providing improved energy yield and cost efficiency. Optimal system sizes were determined to minimize excess energy export to the grid, considering factors like grid impact and capital costs. Increasing the bifacial PV gain emerged as a powerful lever for optimizing economic efficiency, leading to reduced LCOE in different US regions. The research findings were published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy by scientists from various institutions including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
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