Techno-Economics of a Solar-Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid System for Sustainable Energy Integration: A Pilot Project on an Educational Institution Campus

With the increase in population of the world and India, the energy need of people is also increasing rapidly and with the use of renewable energy like solar, wind, nuclear, ocean energy the demand and generation of electricity has also increase. But with the increase in these the global carbon emission level has also increased as we cannot directly move from conventional sources like coal and oil to renewable energy, but the transformation is taking place at a rapid rate [1]. There is research going on about the new ways to generate renewable energy and one of the ways is the hybrid of Solar-Fuel Cell-Battery System (SFCB). To fight climate change and lessen reliance on fossil fuels, the world’s energy landscape is quickly changing towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. The integration of solar-hydrogen fuel cell systems in a variety of fields, including transportation, industry, and household energy storage, has been pioneered by nations including Australia, Japan, and Germany. As a clean energy carrier, hydrogen solves the intermittent problems of solar and wind energy while providing a dependable substitute for traditional fossil fuels. To set up India as a leader in the production and use of green hydrogen, the government has started large-scale initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Pilot projects for industrial and transportation applications are being developed, and major Indian Companies like Reliance Industries, Indian Oil Corporation, and National Thermal Power Corporation are investing in solar-powered hydrogen production. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being actively developed by research institutes such as Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, proving its viability in several fields. Despite these developments, most Indian educational institutions still use traditional grid energy, which is often produced using fossil fuels and results in prohibitive costs and carbon emissions.

As a sustainable, economical, and energy-efficient substitute, this study investigates the viability of installing a solar-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system as a pilot project for an educational institution. This case study assesses the techno-economic viability of deploying a solar-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system as a pilot project on an educational institution campus to address this challenge. The suggested system combines fuel cells, hydrogen storage, an electrolyze, and solar Photovoltaics (PV) to offer a reliable and sustainable power source. This study examines the system’s performance, energy efficiency, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and Return On Investment (ROI) using the System Advisor Model (SAM) and RET Screen Expert. The proposed system has undergone a techno-economic evaluation in this case study, which examines its environmental advantages, financial feasibility, and technical performance. As India moves towards a sustainable energy future powered by hydrogen, the results will aid in figuring out whether such a system can be expanded and duplicated on other educational institutions and university campuses.

The examination of alternative energy sources is required due to the increasing demand for sustainable and clean energy sources. Fuel Cell (FC) and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems present practical means of conducting this aim [2]. Nevertheless, the intermittent and variable power outputs of both sources restrict their respective efficacy. The main aims of this research study are:
a. Design and simulate a solar PV-hydrogen fuel cell system for an educational institution campus, assessing energy efficiency, reliability, and hydrogen storage ability. Compare its feasibility against conventional battery storage for sustainable energy management.
b. The LCOE of the system is calculated and compared with grid electricity to assess cost efficiency, considering capital investment, operational costs, and payback period. The sensitivity analysis evaluates the impact of variations in solar radiation, hydrogen production efficiency, and cost fluctuations on system performance.
c. The system significantly reduces carbon emissions by replacing conventional energy sources with renewable alternatives, contributing to India’s clean energy targets. It also supports campus sustainability goals by providing an ecofriendly and cost-efficient energy solution.
d. Assess the scalability of solar-hydrogen hybrid systems in academic institutions and propose a policy framework to support their widespread adoption. Focus on feasibility and the creation of supportive policies for implementation.

a. There is increasing interest in renewable energy integration in universities across the globe, but limited research focuses on deploying solar-hydrogen storage systems for campus energy management. Comprehensive studies on this topic are scarce [3].
b. Extant researches often overlook comprehensive economic comparisons between solar-hydrogen fuel cell systems and traditional grid electricity in educational environments. This gap hinders informed decision-making about energy solutions in these settings.
c. Most renewable energy storage studies focus on battery systems, with limited academic exploration of hydrogen as an alternative energy storage solution. Hydrogen presents a promising, though underexplored, potential for energy storage in research.
d. There is dearth of researches using Techno-economic modeling for small-scale hydrogen systems to evaluate financial and technical feasibility, using tools like SAM and RET Screen to simulate real-world scenarios for educational institutions. This approach helps in understanding system performance, cost implications, and potential for sustainable energy solutions.

A systematic approach has been used in the research method to assess the viability of integrating renewable energy on an educational institution campus using a solar-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system. First, sophisticated modelling tools is being used to design and simulate the system. An electrolyze turns excess power into hydrogen, a hydrogen storage system stores energy, solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels provide energy, and a fuel cell then turns stored hydrogen back into electricity when demand outpaces solar production [4]. An Energy Management System (EMS) maximizes the system’s overall performance. The System Advisor Model (SAM) and RET Screen Expert is being used for the modelling and performance analysis. Data collection has entail obtaining information on solar radiation levels at the campus site and understanding the institution’s energy usage trends. Daily and seasonal electricity demands, including peak and off-peak hours, is included in the load profile. To evaluate the overall performance of the system, efficiency data for each part-such as fuel cells, solar panels, electrolysis, and the EMS-is gathered. A thorough technoeconomic study is conducted, which includes computations for system maintenance, operating expenses, and capital investment [5]. To evaluate the system’s cost-effectiveness, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is computed and contrasted with conventional grid energy. Additionally, financial indicators like ROI and payback duration are being assessed, along with a sensitivity analysis to take fluctuating elements into account. By calculating the decrease in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional grid electricity, the carbon footprint reduction is quantified to evaluate the environmental impact. To figure out whether the hybrid system can be used at other educational institutions with comparable energy requirements, the study also investigate the possibility of scalability and replicability. The system’s performance in terms of cost, efficiency, and sustainability is being highlighted through a comparison analysis with conventional grid electricity. The brief information of software simulation used for the study is as under:
a. Global solar atlas is an online platform developed by the World Bank that provides free access to high-resolution solar resource maps and data [6]. It offers detailed solar radiation data, which helps in assessing the solar potential of any location worldwide. Users can access information such as solar irradiation, daily and annual solar energy potential, and temperature data for specific regions. This platform is a valuable tool for developers and researchers when planning solar energy projects, as it allows them to evaluate the feasibility of solar installations based on geographic location.
b. System advisor model (SAM) is a software tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy that helps in designing and analyzing renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and storage systems. SAM simulates the energy production, financial performance, and technical feasibility of renewable energy projects, enabling users to evaluate different system configurations and financing options [7]. It provides detailed reports on energy output, system performance, costeffectiveness, and financial metrics, making it an essential tool for anyone involved in renewable energy planning and analysis.
c. RET screen expert is a software tool developed by the Canadian government that helps in the analysis of the energy performance of renewable energy projects. It enables users to evaluate the feasibility, energy production, and economic performance of different renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. RET Screen provides a comprehensive database with climate, equipment, and performance data to support decision-making. It also allows users to conduct a life-cycle cost analysis, assess the environmental impact, and compare the costs of renewable energy systems against conventional energy sources [8]. Each of these tools-Global Solar Atlas, SAM, and RET Screen Expertprovides critical data and analysis capabilities for designing, simulating, and evaluating the performance and feasibility of renewable energy projects.

Location

The educational institution chosen for this pilot study is the School of Management, which is part of a prestigious Energy University campus in Gujarat, India. The coordinate of the location is 23.1541° N, 72.6669° E. The solar plant’s capacity is 200kWdc and has a battery storage capacity of 300kW (LMO/Graphite) (Figure 1).

Figure 1:Location of the educational institution (Source: Google map).

PV system

The system has a nameplate capacity of 200kWdc and employs standard modules. The DC to AC ratio is set at 1.15, meaning the system is slightly oversized on the DC side relative to the inverter capacity. The rated inverter size is 173.91kWac, with an inverter efficiency of 96%, ensuring efficient DC-to-AC conversion. The estimated total module area is 1,052.632m², which is essential for land-use calculations. The array is configured as a fixed roof mount, tilted at 20 degrees with an azimuth of 180 degrees facing south, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure. The ground coverage ratio is set at 0.3, indicating the density of module placement [9]. The total system losses are 9.58%, although the tool also allows for a manual input of total system loss is 14%, based on external assumptions.

Fuel cell

This image presents a configuration setup for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system. The fuel cell has a unit nameplate capacity of 200kWac, with a minimum output of 30% of its nameplate capacity. The cell stack nameplate capacity is also 200kWac, but its minimum stack output is 60kWac. The setup consists of a single fuel cell unit in the stack [10]. The model allows for the selection of whether the simulation starts with the fuel cell operating. The startup and shutdown times are both set at 24 hours, indicating that the system takes a full day to either start or stop. The ramp rate limits are defined as 20kW/hour for both ramp-up and rampdown, ensuring a gradual change in power output. The system accounts for annual degradation of 20% per year, reducing the cell stack’s maximum power output over time. Additionally, 1kWac of degradation is incurred when the cell restarts after a shutdown. The shutdown schedule is currently empty, implying no planned shutdowns during the year. The fuel cell stack is set to be replaced when its capacity falls below 50%, ensuring operational efficiency. No specific replacement schedule is defined.

Financial parameters

The financial and economic parameters related to a project analysis, for renewable energy or infrastructure investment. It includes details on project term debt, analysis parameters, tax and insurance rates, and salvage value. The project is financed with 70% debt at a loan rate of 7% per year over a 25-year term. The total capital cost is $840,722.51, of which $588,505.75 is financed through debt. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is 7.27%, which reflects the cost of capital considering both equity and debt financing. The project is evaluated over a 50-year period, with an annual inflation rate of 5.48%. The real discount rate is 6.4%, while the nominal discount rate is 12.23%, which accounts for inflation [11]. The federal income tax rate is 21% per year, while the state income tax rate is 7% per year. Insurance costs are 0%, and the sales tax is 5% of the total direct cost. The property tax rate is 0%, but the assessed percentage of installed cost is 12%, resulting in an assessed value of $100,886.70, which declines by 2% annually.

Irradiance analysis

Solar irradiance is the amount of solar energy that reaches earth surface per unit area. The unit of irradiance is W/m2. The irradiance depends on atmospheric condition, latitude and longitude of location, time of day and time of year. Figure 2 presents a set of monthly irradiance profiles generated using SAM. Each graph represents the hourly variation of solar irradiance throughout the year. The plotted parameters include plane-of-array irradiance, transmitted plane-of-array irradiance, beam irradiance, diffuse irradiance, and global horizontal irradiance. The highest irradiance values are observed during summer months (May-July) due to increased solar exposure, while winter months (December- January) show lower values. The graphs illustrate daily solar energy availability, helping in photovoltaic system analysis and performance estimation. The variations highlight seasonal changes affecting solar energy generation potential [12].

Figure 2:Irradiance analysis.

Ampere-hour analysis

Figure 3 displays monthly battery charge variations using SAM (System Advisor Model). Each graph represents the hourly battery charge levels over the year, including maximum charge at temperature, maximum charge with degradation, and total charge (Ah). The blue and orange lines remain constant, indicating minimal degradation, while the red line (total charge) exhibits slight fluctuations, due to varying solar input and energy consumption patterns. Seasonal changes slightly impact battery performance, with minor variations during summer months (May- July). This analysis helps assess battery storage capacity, longevity, and efficiency in renewable energy systems.

Figure 3:Ampere-hour analysis.

Electricity analysis

The (Figure 4) represents a series of monthly graphs displaying electricity load distribution from various sources, including the system AC, grid AC, battery AC, and fuel cell. Each graph shows a different month, showing the variations in electricity demand and supply throughout the year [13]. The orange curve represents electricity load, while the black curve represents electricity supplied by the AC system. Other sources like the battery and fuel cell contribute minimally. The trend shows peak solar generation aligning with midday hours, while electricity demand fluctuates across various times of the day, indicating seasonal variations in energy consumption and generation patterns.

Figure 4:Electrical analysis.

Temperature analysis

The (Figure 5) presents monthly temperature variations of a solar module, ambient weather, and battery temperature. The blue curve represents the module temperature, peaking around midday, showing a strong correlation with solar irradiance. The orange curve represents ambient temperature, which follows a smoother pattern with lower fluctuations. The red line indicates battery temperature, which remains constant. The summer months (May-August) show the highest module temperatures exceeding 40 °C, while winter months exhibit lower peaks [14]. A sudden dip in July suggests shading or weather variations. Understanding these temperature trends is crucial for optimizing solar panel performance and battery efficiency.

Figure 5:Temperature analysis.

Load analysis

Figure 6 presents a series of 12 monthly subplots displaying electricity load contributions from various sources. The legend indicates four sources: battery AC, fuel cell, grid AC, and system AC. The orange line represents an overall electricity load, which fluctuates throughout the day. The black curve shows system AC contribution, peaking around midday, due to solar generation. Battery and fuel cell contributions appear minimal. Grid AC supplementation varies by month. This visualization helps analyze seasonal and diurnal electricity consumption patterns, highlighting the dependence on solar power and the need for energy storage or grid support during non-solar hours [15].

Figure 6:Load analysis.

Electrical and thermal load analysis

The thermal and electric load profiles illustrate monthly variations in energy demand (Figure 7(a) & 7(b)). The thermal load (left) shows a consistent pattern, peaking during the daytime across all months, indicating heating or cooling requirements influenced by seasonal changes. The electric load (right) follows a similar diurnal trend but with lower peak values, reflecting daily power consumption patterns. Summer months exhibit higher thermal loads, due to increased cooling demand, while winter months show a moderate rise in heating needs.

Figure 7a:Thermal load.

Figure 7b:Electrical load.

System summary

The (Table 1) below shows the system summary of the Solar- Hydrogen Fuel Cell (SHFC) hybrid system. The table includes the LCOE of the system, simple and discounted payback period, equity, and debt (Figure 8).

Figure 8:System power generated(kW).

Table 1:System summary.

The suggested solar-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system for integrating renewable energy on a university campus directly supports several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pertinent SDGs and their justifications are listed below:
a. SDG 4: Quality education: This topic is indirectly contributing as by integrating this project into the educational institution campus, students and faculty can be exposed to innovative renewable energy technologies. This provides a realworld learning experience that supports quality education on sustainability, energy transition, and technological innovation.
Moreover, it empowers the institution to become a model for sustainable practices, providing valuable insights for future researchers, engineers, and environmentalists b. SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy: Reliance on fossil fuels and the electrical grid is decreased by combining solar energy with hydrogen fuel cells, which guarantees a clean, dependable, and sustainable power source. By using solar energy for generating and hydrogen fuel cells for effective storage and backup, this system improves energy affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas.
c. SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: Implementing solar-hydrogen hybrid promotes innovative energy solutions and contributes to sustainable infrastructure. This project also encourages the adoption of innovative technologies in electricity generation, which reduces our dependence on conventional sources and proves how these technologies can be scaled up in future.
d. SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities: This project helps the educational institutions to be self-sufficient in their energy needs and reducing their carbon footprint. This aligns with efforts to build resilient and sustainable communities by fostering energy self-sufficiency. If successful, this model could be scaled to other urban areas, helping cities to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while promoting renewable energy solutions.
e. SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production: By implementing a renewable energy solution that incorporates hydrogen as an energy carrier, this project promotes responsible production and consumption. It ensures that energy is produced in a sustainable manner (through solar power) and encourages the use of clean technologies to minimize environmental impact. The project reduces the need for fossil fuel consumption and the associated emissions, thus contributing to sustainable energy production and consumption.
f. SDG 13: Climate change: The solar-hydrogen hybrid system significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the campus by replacing fossil fuel-based energy with clean, renewable energy. The use of green hydrogen (produced via solar power) for energy storage and supply ensures that the campus’s energy consumption has a much lower environmental impact, contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. This supports SDG 13 by taking direct action toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate resilience.

Implementing a Solar-Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid System on an educational institution campus presents several managerial implications for students, researchers, professionals and policy makers, shaping their understanding of renewable energy management, decision-making, and business strategy. By providing hands-on training and exposure to the SAM and RET systems, it helps in experiential learning and skill development amongst the scholars. This study will provide exposure to the researchers for developing business models for green hydrogen and will encourage new start-ups in the solar-hydrogen energy solutions with better understanding of risk assessment and cost efficiency. On the other hand, it helps the professionals by providing workforce development through technical and financial training in hydrogen integration. It will also help the upskilling in energy storage and hydrogen microgrid management by adopting the data-driven decision making for better operational efficiency. It will further help the professionals in evaluation of long-term financial viability and scalability study. The policy makers will be in a position to take better decisions on solar-hydrogen adoption for commercial use as well as development of strategic energy transition roadmap for the society.

This study aims to establish a system which offers substantial energy savings, making it both financially viable and sustainable. By lowering electricity and thermal costs, it enhances long-term operational efficiency. Its competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) ensures affordability compared to traditional power sources. With a positive Net Present Value (NPV) and a reasonable payback period, it demonstrates a strong return on investment. Additionally, the system reduces reliance on fossil fuels, facilitating a clean and green energy transition. By integrating solar and hydrogen fuel cell technology, it bolsters energy security while offering scalable and replicable models suitable for other campuses, industries, and communities. Furthermore, it significantly contributes to decarbonization by reducing the carbon footprint and encourages innovation in renewable energy and hybrid system applications.

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