Advancement of Power-to-Hydrogen and Heat-to-Hydrogen technologies and their applications in renewable-rich power grids

Abstract

As renewable energy sources integrate into microgrids, they bring challenges such as sudden fluctuations in weather and load demands. Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power converts excess renewable power into chemical energy stored as hydrogen, which can be used on-site or transported for consumption. This paper presents a new model for Hydrogen Energy Storage (HES) that captures the interactions among an electrolyzer, a fuel cell, and hydrogen tanks. It proposes a management control strategy where HES units help regulate frequency within a microgrid (MG). An MG-level controller is designed to optimize power distribution, enabling rapid HES responses to correct power imbalances, with distributed generators addressing any remaining imbalances. The MG-level controller works with HES-level controllers to adjust operating modes and frequency regulation support based on hydrogen levels. Additionally, the paper explores using the Bunsen reaction to convert heat energy into hydrogen, investigating its potential for efficient hydrogen production through the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons. The impact of this method on system performance is analyzed through simulations. The simulation results clearly show the effectiveness of implementing Bunsen support. This intervention significantly reduces frequency deviation from 0.02 Hz to 0.005 Hz and enhances hydrogen mass compared to scenarios without it, with a recorded increase of 2.391 g/sec. Furthermore, the presence of sufficient hydrogen levels in the tank due to the Bunsen reaction prolongs the operation period of Gas Turbines (GTs). The integration of Bunsen support mechanisms enhances stability within microgrid systems, highlighting their potential benefits for optimizing system performance and stability in similar applications.