On-Site Production of Electricity and Hydrogen for the Energy Needs of Rural Areas

Abstract

In both developed and developing countries, energy supply in rural areas is needed in an economical and environmentally sustainable way. On the one hand, extensions of the power grid are often inadequate due to their high cost and landscape impact. On the other hand, diesel generator sets have high greenhouse gas emissions and other undesirable environmental impacts. As a result, on-site renewable energy generation becomes the best option. The two main types of energy required are electricity for stationary uses and diesel for mobility. Therefore, the European project LIFE REWIND proposes the implementation of off-grid renewable energy systems, producing both electricity and hydrogen. A prototype has been designed and installed in a vineyard, to carry out the validation in a real case. It includes three photovoltaic sets: one is on the terrain, other is floating on an irrigation pond and the last one is on a solar tracker. The electrical system is configured as a micro-grid, with the same characteristics of the utility grid. The electricity is supplied to a wastewater treatment plant, a drip irrigation system and other uses like air conditioning and lighting. Moreover, with the surplus energy, an electrolyser produces hydrogen by electrolysis of water. An off-road vehicle with fuel cell feeds on that hydrogen and carries people in the vineyard. In conclusion, electricity and hydrogen are produced from renewable resources on the farm itself. In addition, it is expected to obtain positive effects on the rural economy and employment.



Author Information
Javier Carroquino, University of Zaragoza, Spain
Francisco-Javier GarcĆ­a-Ramos, University of Zaragoza, Spain
JesĆŗs Yago, Intergia EnergĆ­a Sostenible S.L., Spain

Paper Information
Conference: ECSEE2017
Stream: Energy: Renewable Energy and Environmental Solutions

This paper is part of the ECSEE2017 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon