# Performance Analysis of a PEMFC-Based Grid-Connected Distributed Generation System
###### Abstract  
Less energy consumption and more efficient use of renewables are among the sustainable energy targets of modern societies. The essential activities to be achieved under these objectives are to increase distributed generation (DG) structures' applicability. DG systems are small-scale versions of the traditional power grid; they are supported by micro turbines, photovoltaics (PV) modules, hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines, combined heat and power systems, and energy storage units. The aim of this research is to detail the performance analysis of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)-based grid-connected distributed generation system with the help of empirical calculations. To this end, we aimed to establish the system and analyze the performance of the reliable operation of the system with experimental verifications. The findings demonstrate how much power can be generated annually, through real meteorological data, to dispatch to constantly variable loads. While 53.56% of the total energy demand is met by the utility grid, 46.44% of the demand is met by the produced energy i.e., from the DG. The PEMFC-based DG system analyzed in detail in this study was located at Marmara University. According to the results of the performance analysis, significant points of this study will be highlighted to assist the researchers working in this field. Our results are encouraging and can be certified by a larger sample size with neat weather conditions in terms of the percentage of procurement of energy. distributed generation (DG); fuel cell; wind turbine; photovoltaic (PV); performance analysis +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
efficient and cost-effective integration with the existing grid [3]. It can be presumed that the DG is a flexible energy generation system that can operate either connected or independent from the grid, providing installation close to the load groups. This is operated conveniently for flexible and dynamic load groups such as university campuses, educational institutions, and research and development centers. In [4], the design and implementation of a virtual laboratory for microgrids with renewable-based DGs is proposed to realize innovative courses using LabVIEW, Microsoft, and Simulink. That virtual laboratory is presented with the objectives of scalability, interaction, maintainability, and fast response time for a microgrid structure renewable energy sources. Similarly, in [5], lead acid energy storage system technology is used to address cold ambient temperatures using a standalone wind-PV-based DG system. The technical and economic performance of some alternative systems exploiting renewable energy, such as heat pumps and a PV plant, is presented in [6], showing promising energy savings outputs compared to the traditional electrical grids and storage. In [7], the authors presented the design and implementation of a microgrid teaching laboratory whose structure consists of a wind turbine, PV, battery bank, and DC/DC and DC/AC converters for dispatching the energy from sources and the utility grid to the load side. The design, implementation, and operation of an education laboratory-scale microgrid facilitate the use of renewable energy, which is a crucial improvement in the awareness of green-clean energy technology. Apart from this approach, [8] proposes the implementation of a single-controllable DG structure in the engineering school of the Federal University of Minas Gerais using commercial devices. Although DGs provide flexibility in energy management, the energy production capacities of the wind turbine and PV modules depends largely on meteorological conditions. Therefore, in the absence of sufficient wind and sun, a third supporting energy generation system is needed. In this study, to use the potential of renewables, a PV, wind, and hydrogen fuel cell energy storage-based hybrid power system is established. The hydrogen fuel cell stack is utilized as a back-up power generation system based on the relevant literature.