Real-World Scale Deployment of Hydrogen-Integrated Microgrid: Design and Control

Abstract

The development and utilization of hydrogen hold the potential to revolutionize new power systems by providing a clean and versatile energy carrier. This paper presents a practical hydrogen-integrated microgrid developed by Xi'an Jiaotong University in Yulin, China. The hydrogen-integrated microgrid features a 1-MW photovoltaic (PV) system and a 640-kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, equipped with a complete set of hydrogen production and supply system, aiming to establish a near-zero carbon multi-energy supply and demand system. Specific control strategies for distributed generations (DGs) as well as system-level control approaches for bidirectional interlinking converters (BICs) are designed to ensure the stable operation of the microgrid system. Through real-world implementation and experimental tests, the microgrid system's ability to effectively harness renewable and clean energy sources, produce and utilize hydrogen, and respond to changes in operating conditions is validated. Some discussion on the benefits of integrating hydrogen into microgrids, comparisons with existing microgrids, practical design considerations, and challenges in the microgrid control system is also summarized for reference. The results showcase the potential of hydrogen-integrated microgrid as a key solution in achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.