Design, Modeling and Experimental Validation of an Integrated Bifacial PV–Hydrogen–Fuel Cell System

This doctoral thesis work was born in the context of the collaboration between Graded S.p.A. and the University of Sharjah (UAE), with the aim of studying, implementing and testing an integrated system for the production and use of green hydrogen powered by a bifacial photovoltaic system. The energy produced is used to power an electrolyzer and then a fuel cell, configuring a complete cycle of hydrogen generation and use in a real context. The research activity combines experimental investigation and numerical modeling, paying particular attention to the characterization of the performance of the plant in real operating conditions and to the evaluation of the benefits deriving from the use of bifacial photovoltaic technology in an area with high solar radiation and high albedo conditions. The thesis is divided into several phases: • Analysis of the context and state of the art of the technologies used. • Design of the innovative experimental system. • Experimental campaign and data analysis. • System modeling and simulation. • Discussion of results and development prospects. The goal is to demonstrate the technical-operational feasibility of a system for the production and use of green hydrogen integrated with bifacial photovoltaics and to provide guidelines for the design and optimization of similar solutions in future scenarios, contributing to the progress of the energy transition towards zero-emission carriers.