یک سیستم مبدل انرژی بادی برای تولید هیدروژن توسط برقکافت آب در منطقه حاسی الرمل (الجزایر) A wind energy conversion system for hydrogen production by water electrolysis in the region of Hassi R’mel (Algeria)

Introduction Algeria is blessed with an important renewable energy potential, more particularly solar and wind [1]. This offers the opportunity not only to increase, but also to diversify its energy resources. It also opens for it undeniable perspectives to develop its remote regions, and to meet its domestic energy needs that are becoming increasingly important. One of the most important renewable sources is wind energy. As reported by Chellali et al. [2] Algeria is generally quite windy. At 10 m above ground level, 78% of the country area is characterized by wind speeds exceeding 3 m/s, with about 40% of these speeds above 5m/s. Chellali et al. [3] proposed a method of wind potential assessment using descriptive statistics and timeefrequency analysis. They found that the windiest regions are located in the southern part of the country with annual mean speed varying between 5 and 6 m/s at 10 m above ground level. This important wind potential is considerable and is more than sufficient for providing energy to these isolated area where the extension of the national grid is prohibitively expensive. However, because of the intermittent nature of wind energy and mismatch between offer and demand, there is then the need for its storage. Hydrogen, as a storage medium has been widely considered. In this case, wind provides the energy needed and the excess of wind energy is used to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is then stored to be converted into electricity using a fuel cell in the case where wind energy is not sufficient to provide the required energy needs. Several methods have been developed for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources [4]. The coupling of a wind generator and an electrolyzer is one of the most promising options for obtaining hydrogen from a clean renewable energy source; it consists of supplying the excess electrical power produced by wind generator to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. Literature review shows that the technique of hydrogen production by water electrolysis using wind energy has already been considered. Sopian [5], presented the performance of an integrated PVewind-hydrogen energy production system. This system has been capable of producing 130e140 ml/min of hydrogen, for an average global solar radiation and wind speed at 10 m above ground level ranging between 200 and 800 W/m2 and 2.0e5.0 m/s, respectively. Khan et al. [6], presented a detailed modeling, simulation, and analysis of an isolated wind-hydrogen hybrid energy system. Dynamic nonlinear models of all the major subsystems are developed based on sets of empirical and physical relationships. As results, economics of stand-alone energy systems, with hydrogen storage and generation is not favorable for mass deployment. However, research and advancements in this field are quite dynamic and cost-competitiveness of wind-hydrogen systems may improve in future. Bechrakis [7], simulated the operation of a small, remote hotel primarily powered by a wind turbine, and supported by a hydrogen energy system incorporating a medium pressure electrolyzer, a compressed hydrogen gas storage unit and a PEM fuel cell stack.