This paper proposes a Hybrid Microgrid (HμG) model including distributed generation (DG) and a hydrogen-based storage system, controlled through a tailored control strategy. The HμG is composed of three DG units, two of them supplied by solar and wind sources, and the latter one based on the exploitation of theProton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology. Furthermore, the system includes an alkaline electrolyser, which is used as a responsive load to balance the excess of Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES) production, and to produce the hydrogen that will be stored into the hydrogen tank and that will be used to supply the fuel cell in case of lack of generation. The main objectives of this work are to present a validated dynamic model for every component of the HμG and to provide a strategy to reduce as much as possible the power absorption from the grid by exploiting the VRES production. The alkaline electrolyser and PEM fuel cell models are validated through real measurements. The State of Charge (SoC) of the hydrogen tank is adjusted through an adaptive scheme. Furthermore, the designed supervisor power control allows reducing the power exchange and improving the system stability. Finally, a case, considering a summer load profile measured in an electrical substation of Politecnico di Torino, is presented. The results demonstrates the advantages of a hydrogen-based micro-grid, where the hydrogen is used as medium to store the energy produced by photovoltaic and wind systems, with the aim to improve the self-sufficiency of the system
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Wind and solar power generation will continue to grow in the energy supply of the future, but its inherent variability (intermittency) requires appropriate energy systems for storing and using power. Storage of possibly temporary excess of power as methane from hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide is a promising option. With electrolysis hydrogen gas can be generated from (renewable) power. The combination of such hydrogen with carbon dioxide results in the energy carrier methane that can be handled well and may may serve as carbon feedstock of the future. Biogas from biomass delivers both methane and carbon dioxide. Anaerobic microorganisms can make additional methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide in a biomethanation process that compares favourably with its chemical counterpart. Biomethanation for renewable power storage and use makes appropriate use of the existing infrastructure and knowledge base for natural gas. Addition of hydrogen to a dedicated biogas reactor after fermentation optimizes the biomethanation conditions and gives maximum flexibility. The low water solubility of hydrogen gas limits the methane production rate. The use of hollow fibers, nano-bubbles or better-tailored methane-forming microorganisms may overcome this bottleneck. Analyses of patent applications on biomethanation suggest a lot of freedom to operate. Assessment of biomethanation for economic feasibility and environmental value is extremely challenging and will require future data and experiences. Currently biomethanation is not yet economically feasible, but this may be different in the energy systems of the near future.
DOCUMENT
Hydrohub beoogd een testomgeving voor electrolysers te ontwikkelen en realiseren in de proeftuin van EnTranCe. Projectdoel is om onderzoek te doen aan mid-size electrolysers om de ‘total cost of equipment’ te reduceren door kritisch te kijken en onderzoek te doen naar CAPEX- en OPEX vermindering, Verbetering van efficiency en behoud of verbetering van levenduur (of een positieve combinatie van deze factoren). In het eerste deel van het project (hydrohub-1) is e.e.a. ontworpen en gebouwd (utilities + infrastructuur bij EnTranCe + PEM-electrolser door TNO + Alkaline electrolyser door HyCC/Nobian/ISPT) Het project Hydrohub-II beoogt het ‘in bedrijfstellen van de systemen’ en het operationeel maken. Vervolgens het beoogde onderzoek uit te voeren.
Machinefabriek Douna heeft een prototype van een alkaline electrolyser ontworpen. Deze wil Douna graag doorontwikkelen voor toepassing in het onderwijs en als testplatform voor waterstof innovaties. Deze stap is technisch zeer uitdagend op het gebied van o.a. functionaliteit, modulariteit en veiligheid. Daarom wil Douna hier eerst de haalbaarheid van onderzoeken. EnTranCe is vanuit haar expertise op het gebied van o.a. productie en veiligheidsaspecten rondom waterstof gevraagd hier ondersteuning op te bieden.
