Techno-Economic and Operational Environmental Assessment of a Solar–Wind–Battery–Hydrogen Hybrid Energy System for Sustainable and Reliable Household Power Supply in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

This research work conducts an economic, operational, and environmental evaluation of a solar–wind–battery–hydrogen hybrid renewable energy generation system for a typical household in the Limpopo province of South Africa. In the recommended configuration, the system will comprise a 5.0 kWp solar PV array, 1.0 kW wind turbine, 15 kWh lithium-ion battery, 1.5 kW electrolysis, 8 kg hydrogen storage tank, 1.0 kW fuel cell, and 5.0 kW power converter. Based on the base scenario, the proposed energy system completely satisfies the total electricity consumption of 5475 kWh per annum without any energy shortfall and a 100% RE contribution. The electricity production from solar PV and wind amounts to 8016 kWh and 1115 kWh per annum, respectively, and the green hydrogen produced is 70.3 kg/year. Though the fuel cell did not play any role in meeting the electrical requirements in the base year, hydrogen acts as a long-term storage medium and improves the resilience of the system. The total present value cost of the optimal energy system is USD 35,016, the annual cost is USD 3005/year, the electricity cost is USD 0.549/kWh, and the hydrogen cost is USD 12.02/kg. This work adds to the existing literature by offering a modeling framework for households in Limpopo.