Experimental integration of a foam-based floating photovoltaic (floatovoltaic) system with an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer for 5 kW-Scale green hydrogen production
Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Giorgio Antonini, Md Motakabbir Rahman, Joshua M. Pearce
Abstract
Strategically scheduling electrolyzers to harness surplus solar photovoltaic (PV) energy decreases reliance on the grid and enhances overall system efficiency. This study experimentally evaluates a 7-kW foam-based FPV integrated with a 27-cell anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer to assess feasibility under off-grid conditions. The methodology involved assembling the FPV modules on a pond, powering the AEM stack via three 2.5 kW inverters and MPPT charge controllers, and recording operational data such as voltage, current, temperature, and gas flow; using a Cerbo-GX monitor, multimeters, rotameters, and liquid-displacement timing. Key findings include a stack-level energy conversion efficiency of 73.3–86.2 % (high heating value basis), a minimum specific energy consumption of 45.77 kWh/kg H 2 , and hydrogen purity of 99.22 %. System-level electrical efficiency ranged from 66 % to 71 %, with power conversion losses identified at the inverter and power-supply stages. Simulation of electrolyzer scheduled operation only upon surplus PV generation showed improved energy utilization. These results demonstrate the viability of FPV-AEM coupling for decentralized green hydrogen production and highlight the potential for direct DC coupling and enhanced thermal management to further reduce energy losses in future implementations.