Wind energy-hydrogen storage hybrid power generation

In this theoretical investigation, a hybrid power generation system utilizi ng wind energy and hydrogen storage is presented. Firstly, the available wi nd energy is determined, which is followed by evaluating the efficiency of the wind energy conversion system. A revised model of windmill is proposed from which wind power density and electric power output are determined. Whe n the load demand is less than the output of the generation, the excess ele ctric power is relayed to the electrolytic cell where it is used to electro lyte the de-ionized water. Hydrogen thus produced can be stored as hydrogen compressed gas or liquid. Once the hydrogen is stored in an appropriate hi gh-pressure vessel, it can be used in a combustion engine, fuel cell, or bu rned in a water-cooled burner to produce a very high-quality steam for spac e heating, or to drive a turbine to generate electric power. It can also be combined with organic materials to produce synthetic fuels. The conclusion is that the system produces no harmful waste and depletes no resources. No te that this system also works well with a solar collector instead of a win dmill. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.