From distributed generation to smart grids: Integration of H2 and renewable energy towards zero emissions home

Actual trend in stationary energy sector is the zero-emissions-home, in which aim is to limit or avoid taking energy from the grid. The production of energy on-site requires the use of innovative, low environmental impact technologies. To this end, a small laboratory-house was built in which a photovoltaic (PV) plant with an energy-storage battery system is installed, a fuel cell (FC) system of 1.2 kW and a solar thermal panel for the production of sanitary water. The main focus of this activity is to study the integration of unpredictable sources and FC for a possible intake of surplus energy. The project aims at evaluating the energy savings possible by testing and analysing different configurations and/or different combinations of the energy sources. A domotics system is implemented both to manage energy consumption and to increase the comfort and safety of the house. Two separated electric circuits are designed: Energy-Side-Management (ESM), including the energy sources, and Demand-Side-Management (DSM) including the load. The domotics system is the interface between ESM and DSM. Different scenarios can be simulated using several switches, allowing to disconnect a portion of the plant when is not required to study it. © The Electrochemical Society.