Green Electricity Generation from Domestic Wastewater Using an Integrated PV-PEMEC-PEMFC System

International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJEEE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 10

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Wasin Pirom, Nawadee Srisiriwat, Anuchart Srisiriwat

10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V12I10P107

How to Cite?

Wasin Pirom, Nawadee Srisiriwat, Anuchart Srisiriwat, "Green Electricity Generation from Domestic Wastewater Using an Integrated PV-PEMEC-PEMFC System," SSRG International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 10, pp. 79-93, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V12I10P107

Abstract:

The swift exhaustion of fossil fuels, alongside increasing worldwide water scarcity, is hastening the transition to sustainable energy options and advanced wastewater recycling methods. A Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell (PEMEC) has become essential for producing green hydrogen through water electrolysis because of its high energy efficiency and rapid dynamic response. This study investigates the generation of green hydrogen from Photovoltaic (PV) electricity via PEMEC, which is subsequently converted into green electricity with a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). An integrated PV-PEMEC-PEMFC system was experimentally evaluated using tap water and 1% and 2% dishwashing solutions, as simulated domestic wastewater electrolytes, under different solar irradiance conditions. Experimental results showed a significant linear correlation between solar irradiance and PEMEC current, with the highest current and hydrogen production obtained using the 2% dishwashing solution. The measured hydrogen generation closely matched theoretical predictions. PEMFC performance showed a nonlinear relationship with irradiance, achieving an electrical output of about 2.4 kWh/day·m2 under optimal conditions. The integrated system attained a maximum. PEMEC-PEMFC efficiency of 42%, with the 2% electrolyte consistently outperforming the other concentrations. The overall system efficiency peaked at approximately 5%. In addition to energy generation, the system produced about 1.2-1.4 L/day of clean water as a byproduct of fuel cell operation, demonstrating potential for co-production of potable water. Surplus hydrogen generated during the day was enough to maintain the electricity supply at night, ensuring continuous operation. Monthly estimations confirmed stable performance throughout the year.

Keywords:

Green Electricity, Photovoltaic (PV), Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell (PEMEC), Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Domestic wastewater.

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