Optimal sizing of grid-tied hybrid solar tracking photovoltaic/hydrogen fuel cell energy systems for electric vehicle charging stations in South Korea: A techno-economic study

The South Korean government has established ambitious goals to address climate change, with the aim of 20% renewable energy by 2030 and the deployment of millions of electric vehicles by 2040 to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. In this context, this study investigates and explores the optimal techno-economic feasibility and performance analysis of a grid-tied solar tracking photovoltaic/hydrogen fuel cell system for electric vehicle charging stations under South Korea's "Dwa (Monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate)" climatic conditions. The energy system employed a fixed-tilt photovoltaic array along with four photovoltaic tracker variants, each configured with specific monthly average azimuth and latitude angles. Additionally, considerations were made for the photovoltaic angle of incidence and incident solar radiation, providing crucial insights for system optimization. The optimal capacities for the photovoltaic arrays and other system components were determined, considering both building- and parking-mounted electric vehicle charging station configurations. Detailed economic and technical specifications are provided for each scenario. Moreover, achieving negative CO2 emissions through net grid energy purchases is a significant contributor to environmental benefits, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with electric vehicle charging station electricity consumption.