Design and analysis of wind-based hydrogen production using rule-based operation

The growing demand for green hydrogen underscores the importance of renewable energy sources such as wind. However, the water electrolysis process, crucial for producing green hydrogen, often experiences frequent shutdowns that can damage membranes and catalysts, diminishing both efficiency and longevity. The variability of wind power further complicates this, necessitating advanced control strategies to maintain system stability. Traditional rule-based control methods often struggle to effectively handle real-time power fluctuations and predict future wind conditions, limiting their adaptability. This study introduces an innovative rule-based control method that includes a 'target battery level' to balance reliability and productivity. Utilizing a bi-level optimization framework, it co-optimizes the system design and target battery level to create a more adaptable and efficient solution. Case studies in six regions reveal that the levelized cost of hydrogen is realistically 6–20% higher than scenarios assuming perfect wind foresight. Moreover, this new rule-based control strategy, aiming to maintain a target battery level above 90%, consistently outperforms traditional methods in terms of reliability and economic viability. This approach offers a robust and economically feasible solution for enhancing sustainable green hydrogen production under real-world conditions, addressing key challenges related to system stability and operational efficiency.