Techno-economic analysis of the Li-ion batteries and reversible fuel cells as energy-storage systems used in green and energy-efficient buildings

Abstract Green buildings have become broadly adopted in commercial and residential sectors with the objective of minimizing environmental impacts through reductions energy usage water and, to a lesser extent, disturbances from building site. In this paper, we develop discuss techno-economic model for green that is 100% powered by photovoltaic (PV) system stand-alone configuration. A medium-sized office El Paso, TX was modelled rely on supply all its electricity needs either directly PV or an energy-storage (ESS) using Li-ion batteries (LIBs) reversible fuel cells (RFCs). Cost results show 400-kW can generate at cost 2.21 cents/kWh average levelized storage (LCOS) 450-kW RFC ~31.3 cents/kWh, while could reach as low 25.5 small LIB ESS. While provides flexibility required meet building-energy demand, LIBs may not be able unless size increased substantially, which turn incurs more cost, making less favourable economic perspective. Sensitivity analysis revealed capital discount rate expected lifetime play key roles shaping LCOS both systems.