Operation of a stationary hydrogen energy system using TiFe-based alloy tanks under various weather conditions

We describe the operation of a bench-scale stationary hydrogen energy system comprising photovoltaic (PV) panels, a water electrolyzer (Ely), metal hydride tanks fabricated using an AB-type TiFe-based alloy (TiFe-based tanks), fuel cells (FC), and batteries under various weather conditions. The FC and TiFe-based tanks are thermally coupled to transfer heat when necessary to stabilize the output power, and automatic control is provided via a building energy management system (BEMS), which plans the operating schedule up to 48 h in advance based on the weather forecast and expected demands of the building. Experiments were conducted for 24-h operation on a fine day, 48-h operations on partly cloudy and partly cloudy days, and 48-h operations on partly cloudy and rainy days in order to verify the system. Each operation was performed as planned. Our results show that it is possible to operate the hydrogen system all year round without external heat sources.