Exploring Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Systems for Canadian Residential Buildings: An Energy Evaluation Methodology

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G1H9, Canada

^* Corresponding author: michele.zinzi@enea.it

Abstract

In recent years, integrating solar energy systems and hydrogen-based energy storage systems into residential buildings has shown promise in reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions and achieving clean energy supply. However, there is a lack of evaluation on the application potential of hydrogen-based energy storage systems in urban residential buildings. Therefore, a comprehensive energy evaluation method that considers urban building energy differences was implemented in 20 Canadian cities to evaluate the net-zero energy building status. The simulations were based on a typical residential building in North America. The results indicate that, for selected cities, the hydrogen-based energy storage system effectively addresses the seasonal energy mismatch and improves the energy self-sufficiency rate of urban residential buildings. These cities are classified as net-zero energy cities, nearly zero-energy cities, and non-net-zero energy cities based on their energy self-sufficiency rate. It is recommended to adopt hydrogen-only energy storage systems, hydrogen-electricity energy storage systems, and diverse renewable energy resources as integrated solutions to achieve net-zero emission buildings. The proposed energy analysis method can provide technical references for Canadian planners to plan a reasonable hydrogen roadmap for urban residential buildings.