Operational strategies and integrated design for producing green hydrogen from wind electricity
File(s)Manuscript.pdf (6.09 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Sharifzadeh, M
Cooper, N
Van't Noordende, H
Shah, N
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Realizing the potential of renewable hydrogen production requires flexible operation of electrolysis systems to integrate with intermittent power sources. This work develops an optimization model to assess flexible operational strategies for alkaline and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers powered by wind energy. The model quantitatively analyses trade-offs between electrolyser shutdown strategies, overloading capacities, and battery integration to identify optimal regimes balancing efficiency, flexibility, and economics. The results reveal a mixed-integer linear programming approach can optimize system configurations and control strategies to minimize the levelized cost of hydrogen production. Optimal near-minimum load operation is achieved by independently optimizing the load of each electrolyser block, while avoiding shutdowns above a critical load level. Strategic electrolyser overloading can provide economic benefits by reducing installed capital costs, if technical feasibility and accelerated degradation are addressed. Battery energy storage integration significantly improves economics by enhancing asset utilization, provided excess renewable energy is available. The model provides novel insights on integrating alkaline and PEM electrolysis with intermittent wind power to advance renewable hydrogen production. Quantifying trade-offs between operational flexibility and economics will help guide flexible design and control strategies for cost-optimal renewable electrolysis systems.
Date Issued
2024-04-25
Online Publication Date
2024-05-21T14:28:04Z
Date Acceptance
2024-03-18
ISSN
0360-3199
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
650
End Page
675
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume
64
Copyright Statement
© 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
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Publication Status
Published