Producción de Hidrógeno a partir de energía solar en el campus de la UNI

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the National University of Engineering (UNI) that is very interested in research work about hydrogen energy as a potential fuel for the future, within the framework of utilization of renewable energies which is a core competency for Environmental Engineering in the academic work of students. The main objective is to evaluate energy efficiency associated with hydrogen production based on solar photovoltaic energy. Measurements for solar irradiation, temperature, and relative humidity were conducted in the facilities of the Environmental Engineering Department (FIA-UNI). Maximum values for temperatures around 30°C were registered in November, minimum values for relative humidity around 50% were registered in November, and maximum values for solar irradiation around 900 W/m² were registered in March. An electricity production system based on solar resource was implemented and has two photovoltaic modules, two storage batteries, a controller and an inverter. The system has been implemented as a demonstrative module in order to be used as part of the academic work of the students at FIA-UNI. Test of hydrogen production through electrolysis were carried out using a systems integrated with a PEM-type fuel cell. An average ratio of 50.13 kW.h/kg of hydrogen production based on solar energy was obtained using a PEM-type fuel cell on campus at UNI. Further research is expected to be conducted using a hybrid system with integration to the solar energy system.