System Integration of a PV–Battery–H2PEM Hybrid Power Station: Dynamic Modeling, Simulation, and Case Study Assessment

This work presents an advanced and comprehensive modeling framework for a renewable energy power station that integrates a photovoltaic (PV) generator, an electric energy storage (EES) unit, and a hydrogen-based subsystem (H2PEM). The H2PEM station includes a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (FC), a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer (Electro), and a dual hydrogen storage solution that combines a compressed H₂ tank with a metal hydride system. The model is implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, enabling detailed simulation of electrochemical, thermodynamic, and dynamic processes. A case study is conducted on a residential user—a representative household located in the Cosenza urban area of Southern Italy. The PV plant is dimensioned to meet the annual electricity demand (~8,300 kWh), with the EES ensuring a constant baseline supply. Excess PV generation is directed to the electrolyzer for hydrogen production and stored in the hybrid system, while the fuel cell re-electrifies hydrogen during evening and early-morning peaks when PV and EES are insufficient. Simulation results highlight the complementary operation of the storage subsystems: the metal hydride serves as a flexible buffer, while the compressed tank acts as a stable reserve. Efficiency values for FC (0.45–0.55) and Electro (0.35–0.50) align with real-world expectations. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed modeling framework in designing integrated PV–battery–hydrogen systems, demonstrating improved resilience, flexibility, and sustainability for residential-scale renewable energy supply.