Fuel Cell Application To Mitigate Load Ramping Impacts Of Rooftop PV System Installation.

Abstract This paper is based on a hybrid PV and fuel cell system designed to meet energy requirements of 100000 customers of Southern California in a sustainable way. Solar roof-top PV system is turning out to be a boon to the mankind with its positive effects of reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emission, lowering stress on conventional coal-fired or natural gas generators and even reducing costs associated with electricity pricing for consumers. However, with increased penetration from the grid tied PV systems, there is an inevitable rise in stress faced by conventional generators in terms of meeting and balancing the energy requirements during early morning and late afternoon hours which requires precise switching and control mechanisms. This paper addresses the ramping issues and offers an integrated solution in the form of fuel cells that can complement the existing PV system during intermittent times of energy production and even by reducing the ramp up and ramp down slopes of power production by conventional generators, in a promising way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]