A stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic, fuel cell and battery system: A case study of Tocantins, Brazil

This paper aimed to evaluate the use of a photovoltaic-fuel cell-battery system to supply electric power in an isolated community in the Amazon region. The study focused on technical and cost issues of a pilot-project set up in an environmental protection area, located in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. A comparative analysis of the costs of the hybrid system after optimization was made with the aid of the HOMER© (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables) program. The analysis shows that the optimal system's initial cost, net present cost, and electricity cost with the hydrogen storage system is US$ 87,138; US$102,323; and US$ 1.351/kWh, respectively. Components are costly (fuel cell and electrolyzer), with the photovoltaic modules and the electrolyzer presenting the main cost of system. Based on the results, the study confirmed that the best option for storing energy from photovoltaic systems is still the use of batteries. In the short term, implementation of hybrid photovoltaic-fuel cell-battery system in the region remains prohibitive due to the high cost of its components. ► A hybrid PV-FC-Batteries system is proposed to supply power in the Brazilian Amazon. ► We examine the technical-economic aspects and optimization of a hybrid system. ► The hybrid system was simulated to record its operational characteristics. ► A relative analysis of costs of the hybrid system was made with the aid of the HOMER. ► With a reduction in the interest rate, the COE may be reduced considerably.