Modelling and optimisation of PV-PEMEC hydrogen generation system considering partial shading conditions

This study addresses the adverse effects of PSC on both PV output and PEMEC performance. It establishes a PV-PEMEC hydrogen production simulation model considering complex PSC scenarios. The analysis delves into the impacts of PSC on electrolyzer performance, including internal overpotential, internal pressure variation, and electrolysis efficiency. A hybrid GMPPT algorithm based on IGWO and AP&Q is proposed to mitigate PSC effects on the electrolyzer. The algorithm enhances population initialization with chaotic mapping and antagonistic learning mechanisms within the GWO algorithm. Additionally, it incorporates Levy flight and random walk strategies to improve local search capability, coupled with AP&Q to enhance convergence speed. Results indicate significant impacts of PV array PSC on PEM electrolyzer internal electrochemical mechanisms, particularly affecting Ohmic and diffusion overvoltages. Different local shading scenarios cause continuous fluctuations in electrolysis efficiency, more pronounced at lower current densities. PSC induces substantial fluctuations in hydrogen partial pressure and fewer fluctuations in oxygen partial pressure. The IGWO-AP&Q hybrid algorithm exhibits high responsiveness and tracking efficiency, yielding the highest PV-PEMEC electrolysis efficiency. This study effectively integrates complex multi-scenario PSC with PEMEC for solar-powered hydrogen production, laying a solid theoretical foundation for regions with high solar indices.