Nowadays, mainly diesel generators are used as an off-grid solution for backup power, but this causes CO2 and GHG emissions (especially NOx and particulates), noise emissions and the effects of the volatile diesel market influences operating costs. Renewable energy, such as solar or wind, is becoming increasingly competitive with traditional solutions for off grid applications. Unlike grid-connected systems, their economic justification is not influenced by prevailing electricity tariffs or fuel supply costs, but supply intermittency and availability have to be matched with suitable storage systems to provide a good alternative to the classic diesel generators.
Green hydrogen production by means of water electrolysis has been proposed as a feasible solution to fill the gaps between demand and production. Off-grid electrolysis and hydrogen storage have the key advantage of being able to manage both the long term and short term transient variations in renewable supply, whereas batteries cannot manage the seasonal variations unless very large battery stores are specified.
The main underlining purpose of the ELY4OFF project is the development and demonstration of an autonomous off-grid electrolysis system linked to renewable energy sources. The PEMWE (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyser) industrial prototype will be sized to respond to 50 kW, and will be directly linked to track the solar photovoltaic power source producing over 1.5 tonnes of hydrogen per year for different end uses ensuring cold start and rapid response to changes. The specific objectives related to the electrolyser will be high system efficiency and low cost, very high efficiency cell, robustness and safety (20 bar), flexibility for direct coupling to RES, durability, and communication and control capabilities. The demonstration period in a relevant environment (TRL 6) will last 8 months and will take place in Huesca, Spain.
Other additional objectives of the project are optimized design, CAPEX competitiveness, the study of relevant regulations, codes and standards, detailed cost analysis, new business models, assessment of potential target markets, analysis of specific business models, and dissemination and exploitation of project results.
