INTEGRATED SOLAR-POWERED HIGH-PRESSURE HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

摘要

One embodiment of the invention includes a photovoltaic system that provides both electricity and low-grade heat, together with many options of utilizing the energy. The electricity may efficiently be used to drive a high-pressure electrolyzer that produces hydrogen. The hydrogen pressure may be boosted to a final compression of at least 700 bar. In one embodiment the pressure may be boosted using a metal-hydride compressor and stored. The stored high pressure hydrogen may be used to fill fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) tanks. The electricity can also be used to efficiently charge the batteries in an extended range electric vehicle (EREV).