Hydrogen (H2) is a key element in the Dutch energy transition, considered a sources of flexibility to balance the variable renewable energy sources, facilitating its integration into the energy system. But also as an energy carrier. Both the gas and electricity transmission operators (TSO) have the vision to interconnect their networks with H2, by distributing the green H2 produced with offshore electrolysers into high pressure gas pipelines to relive the overload electric network. The planned compressed H2 pipelines cross the north of North-Holland region, offering a backbone for a H2 economy. Furthermore, at regional level there are already a big number of privet-public H2 developments, among them the DuWaAl, which is a H2 production-demand chain, consists of 1) An H2 mill, 2) 5 filling stations in the region and 3) a large fleet of trucks and other users. Because of these developments, the North-Holland region needs a better insight into the position that H2 could fulfil in the local energy system to contribute to the energy transition. The aim of this research is to analyse these H2 economy, from the emergent to settled, by identifying early and potential producer- consumer, considering the future infrastructure requirements, and exploring economy-environmental impacts of different supply paths
DOCUMENT
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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In the course of the “energie transitie” hydrogen is likely to become a very important energy carrier. The production of hydrogen (and oxygen) by water electrolysis using electricity from sun or wind is the only sustainable option. Water electrolysis is a well-developed technique, however the production costs of hydrogen by electrolysis are still more expensive than the conventional (not sustainable) production by steam reforming. One challenge towards the large scale application of water electrolysis is the fabrication of stable and cheap (noble metal free) electrodes. In this project we propose to develop fabrication methods for working electrodes and membrane electrode stack (MEAs) that can be used to implement new (noble metal free) electrocatalysts in water electrolysers.
Production of hydrogen from renewable power sources requires dynamic operation of electrolysers. A dedicated research activity is proposed to explore and study the impact of variable operation on electrolyser performance and the electricity grid. In addition optimal control strategies will be developed with the goal to improve overall operational efficiency. It is expected that by applying advanced control strategies 2 to 3% operational efficiency gain can be achieved. The research proposed in this project is aimed to explore, validate and demonstrate this potential efficiency gain on the PEM unit.
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.
