Optimization of Stand-alone PV-FC Hybrid System under Thailand Climate

The linear programing optimization technique is used for system optimal design. The objective function was set to minimize the system cost. Cost of energy (COE) was also considered. The average solar irradiance and average ambient temperature of Thailand are 800 W/m2 and 30°C, respectively. The electrical load profile varies with time of the day that is dependent on the activity patterns and the type of appliances used. The optimization results shows that the optimal size of PV array, fuel cell (FC) and electrolyzer (ELE) capacity were 5.50 kW, 1.80 kW, and 2.44 kW, respectively. Whereas the minimum system cost was 516,800 Baht. The long-term performance analysis of a standalone PV-FC hybrid system under Thailand climate is showed with normalized yearly analysis as follows; the monthly final yield Yf is 3.55 h/d. The corresponding performance ratio PR ranges from 40 to 53%. The capture loss (LC) and system loss (LS) range from 0.46 h/d to 0.80 h/d and 1.73 h/d to 3.01 h/d, respectively.