Wind-to-Hydrogen and Battery-Based Microgrid Systems for Residential Building Applications: A Feasibility Study in Canada

As climate change issues escalate globally, there is a growing shift towards renewable energy solutions. This study explores the viability of a wind-to-hydrogen microgrid (MG) system and compares it with a battery-based system for supplying electricity to a grid-connected residential house in Canada. Utilizing the HOMER platform, simulation models were developed to assess two configurations: wind turbine (WT)-hydrogen system and WT-battery. These models were optimized for renewable energy fractions (RFs) ranging from 0% to 80% and included components such as WTs, fuel cells (FCs), electrolysers, hydrogen storage tanks, and batteries. The results indicate that both wind-to-hydrogen and wind-battery systems are feasible for grid-connected residential use. While increasing the RF led to higher net present costs (NPC), the cost of electricity (COE) often decreased due to the ability to sell surplus energy back to the grid. Specifically, the WT-hydrogen system achieved a COE of 0.09 CA/kWh, and an RF of 81.4%, compared to the battery-based system with the same COE, and an RF of 80.3%. Both systems reduced carbon dioxide emissions, with net energy purchases being negative for most months, indicating more energy was sold than bought. The WT-hydrogen system was only about 6.5% more expensive than the battery system, but its costs are expected to decrease, potentially making it more advantageous due to its carbon-free emissions and higher energy density. Policy support may be needed to encourage widespread adoption.