PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

2.5.9 Electrolysis
The principle behind the production of hydrogen via electrolysis was discussed
in Section 2.4.1. As well as providing a use for excess electricity in a system,
electrolysers may also be attached to dedicated wind and PV supplies, where all
of the electricity output is used for hydrogen production.
2.6 Summary
• There are a number of different processes available that allow the total
energy needs of an area to be met in a sustainable manner, and those
chosen will depend on a range of area-specific factors.
• The production of fuels from biomass and waste sources is an important
source of sustainable fuel for transportation, heat and electricity
production, and provides a good waste management solution for
unavoidable wastes.
• When designing systems with a large amount of intermittent electricity
generation, or systems where generators are run continuously to produce
electricity and/or heat, it is important to seek as close a match between
the demand and supply profiles as possible.
• This may be done by varying the types and locations of the generators
being used, and employing various storage and/or load following
generating plant.
• Any excess electricity or heat generated in the system should be put to
good use to help meet the demands for different energy types, or stored,
in some form, for later use.
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