Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle-to-Home Strategy for Residential Power Supply Continuity and Load Management

Abstract

Power supply continuity for household appliances during high-demand peaks or periods of low solar generation remains a critical challenge for modern residential energy systems. Hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) offer a compelling solution by extending their role from sustainable mobility to versatile mobile energy storage units. This study investigates the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) operation of a high-performance fuel cell vehicle designed to provide backup power and peak-shaving capabilities in a domestic environment during high-demand or grid overload conditions.To evaluate this integration, a comprehensive MATLAB/Simulink simulation model was developed for a residential microgrid. The system comprises a photovoltaic array, a parallel battery energy storage system, and a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle modeled according to the technical specifications of the Toyota Mirai, equipped with a high-efficiency 128 kW fuel cell stack (330 cells) and a dedicated 5.6 kg hydrogen storage system. The domestic electrical installation is designed for a maximum power absorption of 6 kW, operating at a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50Hz. The simulation incorporates a realistic residential load profile representative of a typical working day, characterized by distinct morning and evening consumption peaks that challenge service stability under overload conditions.The implemented control algorithm optimizes energy resource allocation by prioritizing the stationary residential battery for standard peak shaving operations. The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle is dispatched as a secondary high-capacity power source during critical overload phases, such as the simultaneous activation of multiple high-power appliances, or when low solar irradiance prevents the photovoltaic system from adequately recharging the battery storage system.Simulation results demonstrate that the Toyota Mirai-based FCEV effectively ensures service continuity, mitigating domestic overloads and compensating for the inherent capacity limitations of stationary storage. The findings show that the fuel cell system can fully sustain the 6 kW demand during prolonged deficit periods. In conclusion, the study confirms that integrating hydrogen-based mobility into the domestic energy mix significantly enhances the resilience and operational flexibility of renewable-powered residential applications, transforming the vehicle into a strategic asset for household energy security.