Techno-economic comparative study of grid-connected PV/reformer/FC hybrid systems with distinct solar tracking systems

The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the techno-economic performance grid-connected Hybrid Energy Systems (HES) consisting Photovoltaic (PV) Reformer Fuel-Cell (RF-FC) using different types solar PV tracking techniques supply electricity a small location in City Chlef, Algeria. systems considered include fixed facing south at four angles (32°, 34°, 36°, 38°), horizontal-axis with continuous adjustment, vertical-axis adjustment two-axis system. software tool HOMER Pro (Hybrid Optimization Multiple Resources) used simulate technical feasibility life-cycle cost these configurations. meteorological data, global radiation air temperature, was collected from geographical area Chlef during year 2020. This has shown that optimal design hybrid PV/RF-FC energy system Vertical Single Axis Tracker (VSAT) leads best economic low values Net Present Cost (NPC), (COE) Positive Return on Investment (ROI) shortest Simple Payback (SP) period. In addition, simulation results obtained, it can be concluded Horizontal Single-Axis Trackers (HSAT VSAT) as well Dual-Axis (DAT) are not always effective compared Fixed Tilt System (FTS). Therefore, necessary carefully use each tracker assess whether gain achieved outweighs overall shortcomings tracker.