Abstract: A scheme of computation, design and optimization of solar Stirling power plant using hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells is presented. The proposed system is composed of two main parts: a combined solar-dish/receiver, Stirling engine, and electric generator that transforms solar energy in electricity and a second part of the system becomes operating when the electricity produced by the first part exceeds the demand. It consists of an electrolyser generating hydrogen, and storage tanks for the produced hydrogen. When solar radiation is missing or/and during the peak periods of electricity demand, fuel cells operating on the stored hydrogen are used to produce electricity.
A method for predicting the total efficiency and power output of Stirling engines using concentrated solar radiation as a power source was previously developed by our research team and the results have proved a high accuracy when having compared to experimental data. This method allows us to simulate the system operation during the whole year in a specific geographic location by predicting the electric power of the solar assembly as a function of the monthly variation of the solar radiation intensity. As we take into consideration the alternative of producing electricity by the use of hydrogen as an energy career, the above method is further developed by electrolyser and fuel cell performance calculations, yielding a global system performance prediction. We consider experimental data for an electrolyser and a fuel cell system, having variable efficiencies function on the power consumption by the user. Different case-studies are presented to analyse the influence of different parameters on the system operation performances.
As a practical example, this analysis applied to a residential area having a specific electricity demand provides information about the supply potential of the proposed global system.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Date and place of birth:
April the 24th, 1979, Bucharest, Romania
Studies:
– PhD in Mechanical Engineering, 2007 – double diploma: University “POLITEHNICA” of Bucharest and Universite “Henri Poincare” de Nancy I
– Master Degree Diploma, 2003 - Thermal Transfer Processes and Devices Specialization University “POLITEHNICA” of Bucharest, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mecatronics.
– more professional training programs and summer schools attendances.
Actual academic position:
Associate professor - University “POLITEHNICA” of Bucharest, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mecatronics
Scientific activity:
Co-author at 7 research articles published in ISI and national Journals, about 30 articles published in Proceedings of International and National Conferences, 10 scientific and student-use books. Co-participant at more than 20 Research Contracts.
Fields of research: Irreversible Thermodynamics; Optimization of thermal machines; Stirling machines; Stirling solar engines; Hydrogen production and use as an energy career; Renewable energies.