Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of an Integrated Agrivoltaic-Hydrogen System for the Energy Saving of an Agro-Industrial User

Maria Vicidomini

Abstract

This work aims at modeling and simulating an integrated agrivoltaic-hydrogen energy system designed to meet the electricity needs of an agro-industrial user. Specifically, the system integrates an agrivoltaic plant with a green hydrogen storage system, which includes the production of the energy carrier via alkaline electrolysis. A hydrogen storage system based on pressurized tanks, as well as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to generate electricity were included in the renewable plant. The modelling and simulation of the system were carried out using the TRNSYS18 software, in order to evaluate the energy and economic performance of the proposed plant and comparing it with the reference system. After the detailed evaluation of the electricity demand of the considered agro-industrial user, i.e., a cheese factory located at Naples (South of Italy), the proposed plant was suitably designed, highlighting the results in terms of energy, economic, and environmental performance. The study also includes a detailed sensitivity analysis in order to consider the variation of the incentives on the economic feasibility of the investigated plant. The proposed system achieves a primary energy ratio of 64%. Moreover, it allows the electric energy withdrawn from the grid to be reduced to only 42% of the total electric energy demand. As a result, the system enables an annual economic saving of about 65,000 €. The results obtained provide a clear overview of the technical and economic feasibility of integrating an agrivoltaic-hydrogen system in the agro-industrial sector, highlighting its potential for a concrete and sustainable energy transition.

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