Model-based optimal control of a hybrid power generation system consisting of photovoltaic arrays and fuel cells

Hybrid renewable energy systems are expected to become competitive to conventional power generation systems in the near future and, thus, ptimization of their operation is of particular interest. In this work, a hybrid power generation system is studied consisting of the following main omponents: photovoltaic array (PV), electrolyser, metal hydride tanks, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The key advantage of he hybrid system compared to stand-alone photovoltaic systems is that it can store efficiently solar energy by transforming it to hydrogen, which s the fuel supplied to the fuel cell. However, decision making regarding the operation of this system is a rather complicated task. A complete ramework is proposed for managing such systems that is based on a rolling time horizon philosophy. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.