Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: China’s rural areas possess abundant renewable energy resources, but lack sufficient energy storage facilities. Hydrogen energy storage has been considered a potential green solution. This study, for the first time, constructed a planning model for a rural electric–hydrogen microgrid incorporating hydrogen and electricity storage, and conducted comprehensive technical and economic analysis under different time periods and combinations of technological elements. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was employed as a key indicator, K-means clustering was employed to obtain typical source–load curves, and the curtailment/self-balancing rate was combined for evaluation. Off-grid energy storage schemes, grid-connected/off-grid modes, and hydrogen production methods were compared to determine the optimal solution. The simulation results show the following: in 2025, off-grid mode with alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) hydrogen production, hydrogen–battery hybrid storage was the most cost effective (LCOE 0.2824 ¥/kWh) due to hydrogen sales profits and battery flexibility, while fuel cells were unfeasible. Grid-connected mode reduced LCOE by 0.008 ¥/kWh vs. off-grid. Currently, AWE’s LCOE is 0.0172 ¥/kWh lower than proton exchange membrane (PEM), but PEM may have a 0.0004 ¥/kWh lower LCOE by 2030, becoming preferred. The results are potential for cost effectiveness, aiding rural energy transition.
Source: Processes
DOI: 10.3390/pr13123878
Authors: Yihan Zhang, Yan Wu, Jiajia Qiu, Hongkai Zhang, Huixuan Li, Shichang Cui, Jiakun Fang, Xiaomeng Ai, Shiqian Wang
Institution: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Awards: G1792098057, G2450604355
OpenAlex ID: W4416945726