Procedure for optimal design of hydrogen production plants with reserve storage and a stand-alone photovoltaic power system

A procedure for sizing an electrolytic hydrogen production plant powered by a stand-alone photovoltaic system is described in this study. Our fundamental proposal is to compensate the loss of load probability of the photovoltaic system, by means of a hydrogen complementary storage. We compute the necessary hydrogen volume of that reserve storage. Using the isoreliability map of curves that characterizes a given location, we determine the size of the photovoltaic system that would be needed to generate a predetermined flow of hydrogen. Finally, we share information on our own experience relating to the design of the experimental installation at Villafría, located in the city of Burgos, Spain.

► Compensate the loss of load probability of PV system for hydrogen production plant, using H2 reserve storage.
► Compute the volume of reserve storage.
► Adapt a simple design method (Egido and Lorenzo) of PV systems to maximize hydrogen production in a whole year.
► Share information on design and installation of experimental hydrogen plant at Villafría in the city of Burgos in Spain.