Design And Evaluation of Grid-Connected Hybrid Storage System Towards Energy Harnessing in University Campuses

Abstract

The research explores design and analysis of a grid-connected hybrid inexhaustible energy system combining photovoltaic (PV), hydro, and fuel cell technologies with battery and Pumped-Storage Hydroelectricity (PSH)—to address energy challenges at Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria. Persistent electricity shortages and the environmental impact of fossil fuels motivate the adoption of sustainable solutions. The study evaluates different hybrid configurations through modelling and simulation.  Key findings reveal that the PV-fuel cell-384V battery system was the most expensive, while the PSH-PV-fuel cell system had the highest operational cost. However, the PSH-PV-fuel cell design outperformed others, generating the highest total power output and exhibiting greater variability. It also achieved superior inverter performance and maintained longer periods of fully charged batteries. Additionally, the PSH system efficiently managed water storage, maintaining reservoirs at 80–100% capacity. Despite higher maintenance costs, the PHS-Photovoltaic-fuel cell system proved to be trustworthy, making it the optimal choice for sustainable energy harvesting in university campuses.