Photovoltaic fuel cell systems

Primary components

The major components of a photovoltaic fuel cell system are:

1. A photovoltaic power source.

2. An electrolyzer gas source.

3. Fuel cells

The photovoltaic power source can be any commercial BSPM (Battery Specific Photovoltaic Module), or can be an ESPM (Electrolyzer Specific Photovoltaic Module). The electrolyzer can either be a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) or an alkaline type.

Gas processing and storage

Secondary components of the system are a gas processing train and gas storage vessel. The gas processing train can include different components such as scrubbers, catalytic combiners, coalescers, filters and flashback arrestors. Its purpose is to remove particulate contamination, purify the gas stream, and remove excess water or other liquids.

The gas storage system may consist of low pressure storage tanks, bags, tubes, medium pressure vessels and tanks, or high pressure tanks. Other methods of hydrogen storage include liquid phase storage, metal hydride, and nano-tube storage.