Development of a Novel Strategy to Improve the Operation of an Environmentally Friendly Energy System Based on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this present work, a hybrid system, particularly a photovoltaic fuel cell one, in Algeria, is studied. Thefuel cell power supply is a very attractive option to be used with an intermittent power generation source like PV power because the fuel cell power system is characterized with many attractive features such as efficiency, fast load-response, modular production and fuel flexibility. Solar modules have the disadvantage of high initial installation costs. So, different methods have been proposed in the literature to increase the photovoltaic generator (SCA: solar cells array) efficiency. The method, proposed here is based on selecting in real time, the SCA optimum configuration for a given load and given working conditions. This method is supposed to be particularly convenient for all direct coupling between a photovoltaic generator and a load system such as a pumping system. Experimental results strongly confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The system is an environmentally friendly solution since it tries maximising the use of a renewable energy source.