Optimizing Green Hydrogen Production Using MPPT Algorithms in a PV System

Abstract

Green hydrogen production via photovoltaic (PV) systems represents a promising pathway toward sustainable energy. Maximizing the efficiency of such systems relies heavily on effective integration and control strategies, particularly under variable environmental conditions. This study presents an in-depth investigation into the optimization of a PV-powered alkaline electrolyzer using advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms. The system—comprising a PV array, boost converter, and various MPPT controllers (Perturb and Observe, Cuckoo Search, and FDB-TLABC)—was modeled and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. Hydrogen (nH₂) and oxygen (nO₂) production rates were employed as key performance indicators of the electrolyzer, directly influenced by the stability and accuracy of power point tracking. Under standard irradiance, conventional MPPT methods (P&O, Incremental Conductance) demonstrated consistent operation. However, under partial shading conditions, intelligent optimization techniques such as Cuckoo Search and FDB-TLABC significantly outperformed traditional algorithms by effectively mitigating power losses and avoiding local maxima. These findings underscore the crucial role of algorithm selection in ensuring stable and efficient hydrogen production, particularly in scenarios characterized by intermittent solar irradiance. This work contributes a validated framework for the Abstract 83 development of resilient and high-performance PV-electrolyzer systems, highlighting the interplay between solar energy optimization and electrochemical efficiency.

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Keywords

green hydrogen, PV-electrolyzer system, MPPT algorithms, partial shading, MATLAB/Simulink, alkaline electrolysis, Cuckoo Search, FDB-TLABC.

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