Optimization of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Production for Residential Load in Alberta: A CFD Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Canada

Abstract

Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, can potentially transform future energy systems significantly. However, most current commercial hydrogen production methods are carbon-intensive, contributing to atmospheric emissions. To achieve sustainable development, integrating renewable energy sources into distributed energy systems is crucial. When applied to hydrogen production, these renewable sources can drive significant growth and progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. This study aims to optimize the use of renewable energy sources in Alberta, focusing on utilizing excess electricity for hydrogen production. The novelty of this research lies in evaluating Alberta's solar and wind energy potential to lower residential electricity costs, while simultaneously harnessing surplus electricity from a hybrid system for green hydrogen production. The optimization results show that combining solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, and grid power can provide electricity at a cost 15% lower than the standard grid price. Additional financial key performance indicators, such as net present cost, return on investment, and internal rate of return, further validate the feasibility of this approach for Alberta’s residential electricity sector. Water electrolysis, a promising method for hydrogen production using renewable energy, is shown to benefit from the optimized model. The results demonstrate that surplus electricity can significantly reduce hydrogen production costs. Numerical analysis of water electrolysis reveals that the hydrogen gas volume fraction can reach up to 0.2 near the electrode surface and at the electrode's top due to gas accumulation and flow rate dynamics. Furthermore, the distance between the electrode and separator plays a crucial role in hydrogen production; increasing this distance significantly reduces hydrogen output. Analyzing the mid-separator current density in the laminar flow regime suggests that maintaining a consistent current density can enhance electrode longevity and ensure stable hydrogen production.

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Main Subjects

References

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Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage
Volume 12, Issue 3
October 2025
Pages 149-168

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