Study using the flow battery in combination with solar panels and solid oxide fuel cell for power generation

Hybrid power generation systems are a promised solution for the recent environmental problems. Energy storage systems are an inseparable part of the hybrid systems and flow batteries are one of the newest storage systems. One of the advantages of the flow batteries is the uncoupled power and energy capacity. But this study shows that in combination with solar panels and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and due to economic, environmental, and reliability point of view, the power and the energy capacity of the flow battery must be chosen relatively to obtain a suitable solution. In addition the effect of the number of solar panels, the power of SOFC and the current density of SOFC on the economic, environmental and reliability operation of the hybrid system is considered. And suitable values for these parameters are recommended.