ABSTRACT
The energy demand at high latitudes is high in winter for both electricity and heat when solar radiation is low or zero. A photovoltaic system with hydrogen as storage medium will be able to supply both electric energy and heat during winter. A fuel cell is a good option to supply the electric energy demand. The fuel cell will have an electric efficiency between 50–70 % at present technology (e.g. KINOHITA et al., 1988). The excess energy is heat that has to be removed to prevent overheating of the fuel cell. Simulations show that the operation of the fuel cell will be when the heating demand is at peak. In combination with a short term storage almost 100% of the energy supplied to the fuel cell as hydrogen can be utilized.
