Design and implementation of a floating photovoltaic system for hydrogen production

One of the most important steps to slow down or stop global warming is to replace fossil fuel-based energy production with renewable energy sources. In this study, firstly, the efficiency of the floating solar panel was examined both practically in the field and by simulating on Matlab Simulink in order to minimize the panel temperature factor that negatively affects the panel efficiency while obtaining solar energy, which is one of the renewable energy types. Then, the electrochemical process in converting the generated energy into hydrogen in order to be able to use it when needed, especially to meet the energy needs of sea vehicles, was discussed practically. In order to determine the positive contribution of floating solar panels mounted on water to the efficiency of the panel, a land mounted (non-floating) 10 W solar panel and one 10 W floating solar panel were installed. As a result of the experiments, the power obtained from the panel at 37 ° C air temperature was 11% higher in the floating panel compared to the land-mounted panel. MATLAB Simulink results also largely overlapped with experimental data. In the laboratory for hydrogen production, graphite (G), nickel coated graphite (G / Ni) and cobalt decorated nickel coated graphite (G / NiCo) were used as working electrodes in 1 M KOH solution, and the dissociation voltages of these electrodes were determined. In addition, hydrogen gas production of electrodes at different potentials was investigated. As a result of the experiments, the highest hydrogen volume was obtained with G / NiCo.