Means and method for controlling device in micro grid

Abstract

To provide: a micro grid, an electrochemical device or a balance of plant device which facilitate communication and control of a plurality of devices in the micro grid, such as control of one or more dryers based on operational states of one or more electrolytic devices connected with the one or more dryers; and control methods thereof.SOLUTION: A micro grid comprises a plurality of devices at least including one or more primary devices (electrolytic devices 2a to 2e) and one or more auxiliary devices (dryers 3). The devices form at least a partially connected mesh network 1 to wirelessly communicate information among the devices, and at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices is controlled according to communication information regarding an operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to improved means and methods for facilitating communication and control of multiple devices in a microgrid, such as, but not necessarily limited to, control of one or more dryers and / or one or more electrolyzers connected to a water tank. [Background technology]

[0002] Microgrids are known that utilize one or more power sources, such as photovoltaic panels, energy storage in the form of a battery bank, and loads, such as domestic appliances or industry. Hydrogen-based microgrids are becoming more common due to the increased capacity for longer-term seasonal storage. Such microgrids include electrolyzers, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. Auxiliary components, such as compressors and dryers, are often also used to enable more efficient storage of hydrogen as a means of energy storage or industrial use.

[0003] Hydrogen is seen as a key factor in energy decarbonization, especially with the emergence of green hydrogen produced in electrolyzers using renewable energy. Hydrogen can be used for long-term energy storage, industrial processes, and even heating or adapted combustion engines to aid and support the drive towards electrification.

[0004] There is typically a wired connection between devices, which may work in safer locations, but is prone to interference in nature or outdoors, such as being bitten by mice.

[0005] Not all microgrids are located in a single location. There is a need for microgrids that are easier to install, cheaper and easier to maintain, more resistant to rodent (and other environmental) interference, and allow for remote or distributed infrastructure. Such microgrids could, for example, serve a village or town rather than be single-owned.

[0006] Currently, devices such as gateways or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are required to control such grids. What is needed are wireless alternatives that are functional yet easier to install, cheaper, and have less ecological and environmental impact.

[0007] It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide improved means and methods for facilitating communication and control of multiple devices in a microgrid, such as (but not necessarily limited to) control of one or more dryers based on the operational status of one or more electrolyzers connected to the one or more dryers. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a microgrid comprising a plurality of devices including at least one or more primary devices and one or more auxiliary devices, wherein the primary devices are preceding devices and the auxiliary devices are following devices, the plurality of devices being configured to form an at least partially connected mesh network for wirelessly communicating information among the devices, and at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices being controlled in response to communicated information regarding operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices. Preferably, each device comprises means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data / information, such as a known wireless transceiver.

[0009] Thus, the microgrid enables control of auxiliary devices without the need for external hardware or software controllers, gateways, or PLCs. This provides for more flexible and efficient installation of the microgrid. The microgrid also enables communication between devices, particularly communication of information regarding the operation of the primary device to the auxiliary device, so that the auxiliary device can operate in response to the operation of the primary device. This provides for more efficient control of the auxiliary device. For example, the auxiliary device may operate only if the primary device operates, thereby preventing unnecessary operation of the auxiliary device. Similarly, the power of the auxiliary device may be adjusted in response to the operation of the primary device, so that the auxiliary device does not use more power than required based on the operation of the primary device.

[0010] Preferably, the primary device is an electrochemical device, more preferably an electrolyzer, even more preferably an AEM (anion exchange membrane) electrolyzer, and even more preferably an AEM electrolyzer with a dry cathode.

[0011] Preferably, one or more auxiliary devices are balance of plant facilities for a primary device, and preferably one auxiliary device provides balance of plant facilities for multiple primary devices. The terms "balance of plant device" or "balance of plant facilities" are used to refer to devices that support the operation of a primary device, such as by supplying materials to the primary device for use by the primary device or by processing materials output from the primary device. Examples of such devices are a water tank that supplies water to an electrolyzer (i.e., an exemplary primary device), or a dryer or compressor that processes the gas stream output from the electrolyzer.

[0012] Preferably, each of the one or more primary devices is physically connected to at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices, and preferably, one auxiliary device is physically connected to multiple primary devices. More preferably, the physical connection facilitates the transfer of fluid (such as liquid water, water vapor, or hydrogen or oxygen gas) between the devices. Alternatively, the physical connection may facilitate the transfer of electricity between the devices, for example, if one of the devices is a renewable power source supplying electricity to an electrolyzer or a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity.

[0013] Preferably, the balance of plant facility comprises: a water tank supplying water to the primary devices via a physical connection (in the case of a water tank, the rate of water supply from the water tank may be controlled in response to communication information regarding the water demand of at least one of the one or more primary devices); a dryer for drying a gas stream, preferably a hydrogen gas stream, received from a primary device via a physical connection (in the case of a dryer, the power level / drying rate of the dryer may be controlled in response to communication information regarding the flow rate or pressure of the fluid output (e.g., hydrogen gas output) from at least one of the one or more primary devices to the dryer); and / or - at least one of a compressor that compresses a gas stream, preferably a hydrogen gas stream, received from a primary device via a physical connection (in the case of a compressor, the power level / compression ratio of the compressor may be controlled in response to communication information regarding the flow rate or pressure of the fluid output (e.g., hydrogen gas output) to the compressor from at least one of the one or more primary devices).

[0014] Preferably, controlling the auxiliary device includes activating, deactivating, or resuming the auxiliary device in response to the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices. In this manner, the auxiliary device operates more efficiently by activating the auxiliary device only when the primary device is activated.

[0015] Preferably, controlling the auxiliary device includes setting process setpoints for a process performed by the auxiliary device and / or controlling a power level of the auxiliary device in response to communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices.

[0016] Preferably, the information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices comprises measurements of parameters of a process performed by the primary device, preferably measurements obtained by sensors in the primary device. For example, the primary device may comprise flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc. that monitor parameters of operation of the primary device. These parameters may be communicated over the mesh network to the auxiliary device, and operation of the auxiliary device may be adjusted based on this communicated information.

[0017] Preferably, the information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices comprises: Preferably, a pressure related to the pressure of the fluid output (e.g., hydrogen gas output) from the primary device; If the primary device is an electrolytic device, preferably a temperature related to the temperature of the electrolyte; Preferably, a flow rate related to the pressure of the fluid input (e.g., liquid water input) to or the fluid output from the primary device; and The operating status of the primary device, indicating whether it is running or stopped; Voltage and Amperage and Energy demand of primary devices and Water level and Water conductivity and Errors and The cumulative operating time or stop time of the primary device, Equipped with.

[0018] Preferably, the microgrid comprises one or more tertiary devices, the operation of at least one of the one or more tertiary devices being controlled in response to the communicated information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices. Thus, the devices of the microgrid may form a hierarchical chain having primary devices, auxiliary devices and tertiary devices, at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices being controlled in response to the communicated information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices, and at least one of the one or more tertiary devices being controlled in response to the communicated information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices.

[0019] An example of this mechanism is a microgrid comprising a mesh network of at least one renewable power source, at least one electrolyzer, and at least one dryer. The renewable power source functions as a primary device, the electrolyzer functions as an auxiliary device, and the dryer functions as a tertiary device. The electrolyzer may operate only when the renewable power source is providing sufficient power output (e.g., for a solar power source, the electrolyzer may operate only during daylight hours), and thus the auxiliary device (electrolyzer) is controlled (operated) in response to information (e.g., voltage or amperage) regarding the operation of the primary device (renewable power source). The dryer may then operate only if the electrolyzer is producing sufficient hydrogen output, and thus the tertiary device (dryer) is controlled (operated) in response to information (e.g., flow rate or output pressure) regarding the operation of the auxiliary device (electrolyzer).

[0020] The information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices may be the same as that enumerated above for the primary device. Similarly, the control of the tertiary device may be the same as that enumerated above for the auxiliary device (e.g., activate, stop, resume, or set process setpoints).

[0021] Preferably, the at least partially connected mesh network is a fully connected mesh network, such that every device can communicate with every other device directly or indirectly through the network.

[0022] Preferably, the mesh network is further connected to a database for recording communication information. In this way, every device can communicate with every other device directly through the network.

[0023] Preferably, the mesh network is connected to the Internet.

[0024] Preferably, shortest path bridging is used for communication between the primary device and the auxiliary device.

[0025] Preferably, one or more of the primary and auxiliary devices are connected to a central computing / control means.

[0026] Preferably, each device includes a communication module for communicating information between the devices.

[0027] Preferably, the primary device and the auxiliary device are: Bluetooth (registered trademark) Wi-Fi and Wireless communicate via one or more of the following:

[0028] Preferably, the user can remotely monitor the communications from another computing device.

[0029] Preferably, each device has a unique identifier code.

[0030] According to another aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a method for controlling devices in a microgrid, the microgrid comprising a plurality of devices including at least one or more primary devices and one or more auxiliary devices, wherein the primary devices are preceding devices and the auxiliary devices are following devices, the method including connecting the plurality of devices to form an at least partially connected mesh network for wirelessly communicating information among the devices; and controlling at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices in response to the communicated information regarding operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices.

[0031] As used herein, the term "mesh network" or "meshwork" is used to refer to a local network topology in which devices can connect directly, dynamically, and / or non-hierarchically to other devices and cooperate with each other to route data through the network. Connected devices form nodes in the mesh network. A mesh network may also include other nodes in addition to the connected devices, such as infrastructure nodes. This lack of reliance on any one node allows all nodes to participate in relaying information when necessary.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "primary device" and "predecessor device" may be used interchangeably.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "auxiliary device" and "subsequent device" may be used interchangeably.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the primary / leading device is physically connected to at least one auxiliary / successor device, and more preferably, the physical connection involves the transfer of a fluid (such as liquid water, water vapor, or hydrogen or oxygen gas) between the devices. Preferably, the primary / leading device is an electrochemical device such as an electrolyzer, and the auxiliary / successor device is a balance of plant (BOP) device such as a dryer and / or a water tank. The dryer is preferably physically connected to the outlet of each electrolyzer to receive and dry the gas stream (e.g., hydrogen) produced by the electrolyzer prior to storage and / or use. The water tank is preferably physically connected to the inlet of each electrolyzer to provide a supply of water to the electrolyzer for use in the electrochemical process therein. It is further envisioned that multiple primary devices may share a single auxiliary device.

[0035] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means to ensure that an auxiliary device, such as a dryer or water tank, is automatically activated upon start-up of the primary device (e.g., electrolyzer) to which it is physically connected.

[0036] It is envisioned that a single microgrid may comprise either a single mesh network or multiple mesh networks, the number of mesh networks being determined by the auxiliary devices being shared.

[0037] It is envisioned that data sent and / or received by the primary device and / or auxiliary device may include any one or more of pressure, temperature, flow rate, on / off status, voltage, amperage, energy demand, errors, accumulated device run time, water level, and water conductivity. Each of these parameters may be checked against predetermined set values, which may be modified by the user at the time of use.

[0038] In embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that the microgrid comprises an at least partially connected mesh network adapted to be connected by a router or equivalent device to a wireless communication network such as the Internet / Cloud. The mesh network may also function in an isolated "island" (i.e., local) mode, with no Internet connectivity.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, it is envisaged that the microgrid comprises an at least partially connected mesh network adapted to be connected to a database for recording and optionally analysing performance data.

[0040] Although it is contemplated that a partially connected mesh network will suffice, it is more beneficial for a fully connected mesh network to be formed between the leading and trailing devices.

[0041] Alternatively, to ensure maximum functionality in embodiments relying on partially connected mesh networks, it is envisioned that algorithms such as shortest path bridging may be employed to ensure that all devices can communicate with each other via other devices in the mesh network when necessary.

[0042] In embodiments where the precursor device is an electrolyzer, preferably the precursor device is an AEM electrolyzer. Even more preferably, the precursor device is an AEM electrolyzer operating with a dry cathode.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the preceding and following devices may be adapted to communicate via a mesh network using a central computing / controlling means. It is envisaged that there may be additional types of preceding and following devices. For example, a renewable power source may be the preceding device, while a compressor relying on the output from an electrolyser may constitute the following device.

[0044] It is envisioned that each device includes a communications module adapted to facilitate the transmission and reception of wirelessly transmitted data.

[0045] It is contemplated that any radio frequency or frequency band may be used, although limitations on use exist for certain purposes. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the device may be adapted to communicate via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. Using radio frequencies, greater ranges may be covered. In some embodiments, larger antennas may be required, as well as amplifiers and / or high-pass filters, or other known components, to ensure clear transmission and reception of data. The present invention is not intended to be necessarily limited by such features.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the microgrid comprises a mesh network further adapted to be connected to the Internet, allowing a user to remotely monitor the status of each device in the network. Such remote monitoring is facilitated by a secure connection from a computing device such as a laptop, PC, tablet, or mobile phone. Alternatively, a user may check the status of the mesh network using, for example, a local web interface running on one of the communication modules.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, an application may be provided for use on a computing means, said application being envisaged to be adapted to enable automatic configuration of the identity of the preceding and succeeding devices.

[0048] Means for ensuring a secure connection are known and are not the subject of the present invention and will not be described further.

[0049] For monitoring and communication purposes, it may be beneficial for each device to be equipped with a unique identifier code, which may be provided at the time of manufacture or installation, or may be selected / entered by the user.

[0050] More efficient control and flexible, efficient installation and usability are just some of the advantages offered by the present invention, which has the advantage of eliminating the need for external hardware or software controllers, gateways, or PLCs, a distinct advantage over prior art techniques for controlling microgrids. Furthermore, a single web interface for the prior device (e.g., electrolyzer) can be used to manage the entire mesh network, plus just a single connection to the prior device (e.g., electrolyzer) via Modbus or the like.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the meshwork operates according to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standard at 2.4 GHz. It is contemplated that there will be at least two devices, preferably at least one predecessor device, such as an electrolyzer or a dryer, and at least one successor device. More preferably, it is contemplated that a single successor device (e.g., a dryer) may service multiple predecessor devices (e.g., electrolyzers). For example, there may be two or more electrolyzers serviced by a single dryer to remove water or other contaminants from the generated gaseous hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, there may be one dryer configured to follow from one to 100 predecessor electrolyzers, or between one and 50 or between one and 20 predecessor electrolyzers. In some embodiments, one dryer may be operably controlled by between two and ten electrolyzers, or between two and seven electrolyzers. In an exemplary embodiment, one dryer may be operated with five electrolyzers, although the number of preceding devices may be selected as described above based on physical and other considerations such as demand, network capacity, and physical space.

[0052] Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to one or more primary devices sharing one or more auxiliary devices. Each block of shared primary and auxiliary devices forms a single network within the microgrid. It is envisioned that interlinking of networks within the microgrid may be provided. For example, physical communication for the movement of gas flows (e.g., hydrogen) may be provided. Alternatively, only information may be shared for the purposes of monitoring and managing the wider microgrid.

[0053] It is envisioned that the master router may be determined by signal strength to ensure reliable communications, whether for the entire meshwork or a partial meshwork. Diagnostic means may be provided to this effect, and the master router may be changed.

[0054] Where the microgrid comprises a dryer control (mesh) network comprising at least one electrolyzer as a primary / leading device and at least one dryer as a secondary / following device, the dryer may be configured to start only if at least one of the electrolyzers is determined to be operating in a steady state, which indicates that the electrolyzer has reached a predetermined condition. The determination of whether the electrolyzer is operating in a steady state is preferably based on data transmitted from the electrolyzer over the network, the data preferably relating to the flow rate and / or pressure of a fluid within or output from the electrolyzer (e.g., the flow rate and / or pressure of a gas stream such as hydrogen output from the electrolyzer). In a preferred embodiment, this steady state may occur when one or more electrolyzers are producing hydrogen at a particular flow rate and / or optimum pressure. The optimum pressure may preferably be set to any reasonable pressure between 1 bar and 100 bar, more preferably between 2 bar and 50 bar, even more preferably between 10 bar and 30 bar, and substantially up to 20 bar. In some jurisdictions, this is lower, so the dryer may be calibrated to function between 2 and 6 bar, substantially 4 bar. At all other (i.e., not steady state) times, the dryer may be automatically turned off. Alternatively, the dryer may be configured to turn on when any level of hydrogen is being produced by the electrolyzer. The auxiliary component may also be adapted to turn off when the last connected primary device (e.g., electrolyzer) turns off, or after a predetermined time since the last time it was turned off.

[0055] An additional benefit of allowing direct communication from the primary device (e.g., electrolyzer) to the auxiliary device (e.g., dryer) is that it reduces the number of sensors required for the operation of the auxiliary device (e.g., dryer). This has a huge impact not only on cost and complexity, but also in terms of reducing latency and the efficiency with which devices can be switched on, and more importantly, the efficiency with which devices can be switched off when not needed; this in turn has significant environmental and ecological impacts, as devices are only operating when absolutely necessary, and any delay in switching off devices when not in use is minimized.

[0056] In one example where a microgrid includes a primary device that is an electrolyzer and an auxiliary device that is a water tank that supplies water to the electrolyzer and / or a water purification system that purifies the water supply, the water tank and / or water purification system may follow the water demand of the electrolyzer based on the operating status of the electrolyzer. In this way, the water supply from the water tank and / or water purification system is activated only when it is determined that the water supply or water purification is needed based on the operating parameters of the electrolyzer. This ensures the freshness of the water supplied to the electrolyzer and avoids carbonation of the water.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the components of the microgrid may have the requisite firmware for each component and associated applications or other interfacing means, including optional connectivity to a wireless communication network (e.g., Internet / Cloud).

[0058] It should be noted that microgrids (e.g., dryer control (mesh) networks) are based on wireless communication, and therefore functionality may be affected by distance between devices, obstacles between devices, and other interference. In appropriate circumstances, user action may be required to mitigate such potential interference.

[0059] The present invention enables the setup and operation of a microgrid including a predecessor device (e.g., an electrolyzer) and a follow-on device (e.g., a dryer) without the need for an external controller or gateway. The configuration of the microgrid can be fully automated or can be quickly accomplished using a mobile app or any computational equivalent. The configuration of a microgrid operating in an "island" (i.e., local) mode does not require any additional application or configuration using control buttons or switches on the device front panel.

[0060] Each leading device (e.g., electrolyzer) is adapted to communicate its operating status and / or measured sensor data to an auxiliary device (e.g., a selected dryer) in real time, either directly or via other devices in the mesh network. This rapid live communication allows for better integration and smoother operation of the dryer or other auxiliary / following device. The term "following device" means that the following device is controlled (e.g., operates) in response to the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices (e.g., when the electrolyzer operates and preferably reaches a predetermined state, as described above).

[0061] Each preceding device (e.g., electrolyzer) connected to a microgrid according to the present invention may provide sensor data, status data, and alerts over a Modbus interface to allow for monitoring of the device. It is envisioned that the system will further be adapted to allow control of auxiliary devices (e.g., dryers), including, but not necessarily limited to, starting, stopping, restarting, and changing process setpoints. Process setpoints may include triggers for restart pressure or conditions from a preceding device (e.g., electrolyzer) that activate a subsequent device (e.g., dryer). This may apply to any type of primary and auxiliary device.

[0062] It is further contemplated that a microgrid may include one or more primary devices connected in a mesh network according to the present invention for multiple types of auxiliary devices, and that an auxiliary device may also function as a primary device for another auxiliary device. For example, a single mesh network may include an electrolyzer, a dryer, and a compressor, with the electrolyzer being the primary device for the auxiliary dryer, and the dryer and / or electrolyzer being the primary device for the compressor.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment where at least one electrolyzer and at least one dryer are connected in a microgrid, it is envisioned that the dryer may act as a primary / leader device managing one or more auxiliary / subsequent electrolyzers. For example, the dryer may request the electrolyzer to produce N liters of hydrogen or reduce the production rate to ensure a constant pressure at the dryer's output. The mesh device may then create a constant or change the load on each device to determine which device should start considering: 1. total number of operating hours per device, 2. longest standby state, 3. highest electrolyte temperature.

[0064] Such a process promotes longer film life, reduced energy for side processes, and other process benefits. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a microgrid with a partially connected mesh network. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a microgrid with a complete mesh network. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a microgrid with a partially connected mesh network with internet connectivity. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is another embodiment of a microgrid with two mesh networks illustrating communication between the two networks of primary and auxiliary devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, specific embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Referring to Figure 1A, a mesh networked microgrid is shown. In this embodiment, the microgrid comprises multiple primary (i.e., leading) devices and a single auxiliary (i.e., trailing) device. The embodiment in Figure 1A is an embodiment of a partially connected mesh network 1, meaning that not all devices have a direct link to every other device. In the partially connected mesh network 1 of Figure 1A, the primary devices are multiple electrolyzers 2a-2e and the single auxiliary device is a single dryer 3. Wireless connections are shown by lines between the devices, but the physical pipe connections between each electrolyzer 2a-2e to the dryer 3 are not shown.

[0068] A partially connected mesh network may exist due to interference or signal obstructions within the network that prevent a fully connected mesh network between devices. Means using algorithms that allow devices to communicate through other devices are provided but are not shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, dryer 3 acts as a central node that allows electrolyzer 2a to communicate with electrolyzer 2c via dryer 3 or electrolyzer 2b, respectively.

[0069] FIG. 1B shows a microgrid with a fully connected mesh network similar to that of FIG. 1A, except that each device maintains a communicative connection to every other device.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 2, there is an embodiment that is more likely to be found in real-world applications of microgrids. In the example of Figure 2, the microgrid comprises a partially connected mesh network 10 comprising multiple primary devices, electrolyzers 2a-2e, and a single auxiliary device, a single dryer 3. Electrolyzer 2a is wirelessly connected to electrolyzer 2b, which is itself wirelessly connected to electrolyzer 2c. Electrolyzer 2c is wirelessly connected to dryer 3. These electrolyzers thus form a chain such that electrolyzer 2b can communicate with dryer 3 via electrolyzer 2c, and electrolyzer 2a can communicate with dryer 3 via electrolyzers 2b and 2c. Electrolyzers 2d and 2e are independently communicatively connected to dryer 3. Dryer 3 is also operably connected to router 4, which itself transmits information to the Internet / Cloud 5.

[0071] 1A, 1B, and 2, the connection between the electrolyzer and the dryer is 2.4 GHz, and the connection of the dryer 3 to the router 4 is IEEE 802.11, going towards the Internet / Cloud 5, for embodiments where such a connection exists. Embodiments that do not have an external Internet connection operate in an "island" (i.e., local) mode.

[0072] An important objective of the present invention is to enable the dryer 3 to automatically operate upon receiving wirelessly transmitted communication that one or more of the electrolyzers physically connected to the dryer 3 have been turned on and are therefore producing hydrogen. Each of the five electrolyzers 2a-2e shown has a physical pipe connection that transmits hydrogen to the respective dryer.

[0073] 2 may exist for a microgrid where there are multiple locations for electrolyzers or energy sources. Utilizing a single dryer has greater sustainability than having one dryer at each location.

[0074] Referring to Figure 3, a microgrid 30 comprising the networks 1 of Figure 1A and 10 of Figure 2 is shown, with a connection 6 between at least one electrolyzer 2 in one network 1 and a dryer 3 in another network 10. Potential physical connections are not shown to allow hydrogen produced by an electrolyzer in one network 1 to be processed by a dryer in the other network 10. While only one of the networks is shown with a router and a connection to the cloud, this is not necessarily the only case, allowing networks or devices more distant in the microgrid to obtain internet connectivity over longer distances.

[0075] The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the above-described embodiments, for example, other electrochemical devices or other follow-on devices such as compressors or fuel cells may be used.

[0076] Additionally, any measured information may be communicated between devices to trigger certain actions.

[0077] Although the drawings focus on preferred examples of a primary electrolysis unit and auxiliary dryer, the present invention is not intended to be necessarily limited to such configurations, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0078] Further aspects of the present disclosure are described in the following numbered sections.

[0079] Section 1. A microgrid, one or more primary devices, the primary devices being predecessor devices; one or more auxiliary devices, the auxiliary devices being subsequent devices; and means associated with each of the primary and auxiliary devices for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, wherein the plurality of devices are configured to form an at least partially connected mesh network, and an operational state of the one or more auxiliary devices is dependent on the communicated operational state of the one or more primary devices.

[0080] Clause 2. The microgrid of clause 1, wherein the primary device is an electrolyzer and the auxiliary device is a dryer.

[0081] Clause 3. The microgrid of clause 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary device is adapted to operate when any one or more of the primary devices operates.

[0082] Clause 4. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the at least partially connected mesh network is a full mesh network.

[0083] Clause 5. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the mesh network is further connected to a database for recording transmitted data.

[0084] Section 6. Data Pressure and Temperature and Flow rate and On / off state and Voltage and Amperage and Energy demand and Water level and Water conductivity and Errors and - Device cumulative operating time, 6. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-5, wherein any one or more of:

[0085] Clause 7. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the mesh network is connected to the Internet.

[0086] Clause 8. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-7, wherein shortest path bridging is used for communication between the primary device and the auxiliary device.

[0087] Clause 9. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-8, wherein one or more primary devices are AEM electrolyzers.

[0088] Clause 10. The microgrid of clause 9, wherein the AEM electrolyzer has a dry cathode.

[0089] Clause 11. The microgrid of any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein one or more of the primary devices and auxiliary devices are connected to a central computing / control means.

[0090] Clause 12. The microgrid of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein each device comprises a communications module.

[0091] Section 13. Primary and Auxiliary Devices Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi and Wireless and 13. The microgrid of any of clauses 1 to 12, communicating via any one or more of:

[0092] Clause 14. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-13, wherein a user may remotely monitor the communication information from another computing device.

[0093] Clause 15. The microgrid of any of clauses 1-14, wherein each device has a unique identifier code.

[0094] It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A microgrid comprising a plurality of devices, The plurality of devices includes at least: one or more primary devices; one or more auxiliary devices; Including, a plurality of said devices configured to form an at least partially connected mesh network for wirelessly communicating information between said devices; At least one of the one or more auxiliary devices is controlled in response to the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices; the controlling of the auxiliary device includes activating, deactivating, or resuming the auxiliary device in response to the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices; A microgrid characterized by:

2. the primary device is an electrochemical device; The microgrid of claim 1 .

3. The electrochemical device is an electrolysis device. The microgrid of claim 2.

4. The electrolysis device is an AEM electrolysis device. The microgrid of claim 3 .

5. The AEM electrolysis device has a dry cathode. The microgrid of claim 4.

6. one or more of the auxiliary devices are balance-of-plant devices for the primary device; The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. one auxiliary device provides the balance of plant for a plurality of primary devices; The microgrid of claim 6.

8. each of the one or more primary devices is physically connected to at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices; The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. One of the auxiliary devices is physically connected to multiple of the primary devices. The microgrid of claim 8.

10. the physical connection facilitates fluid or electrical transfer between the devices; The microgrid of claim 9.

11. The balance of plant device a water tank supplying water to said primary device via said physical connection; a dryer for drying the gas flow received from the primary device via the physical connection; and / or a compressor for compressing the gas flow received from said primary device via said physical connection; At least one of The microgrid of claim 8 dependent on claims 6 and 7.

12. the controlling of the auxiliary device includes setting process set points for a process performed by the auxiliary device and / or controlling a power level of the auxiliary device in response to the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices comprises a measurement of a parameter of a process performed by the primary device; The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the communication information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices; - Pressure and - Temperature and - Flow rate, - an operating state indicating whether the primary device is operating or not; Voltage and - Number of amperes and - the energy demand of the primary device; The water level and - water conductivity, Errors and - the cumulative drive time or the cumulative stop time of the primary device; Equipped with The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. one or more tertiary devices, at least one of the one or more tertiary devices being controlled in response to communicated information relating to operation of at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices; 15. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. the at least partially connected mesh network is a fully connected mesh network; 16. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The mesh network is further connected to a database for recording the communication information.

17. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The mesh network is connected to the Internet.

18. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Shortest path bridging is used for communication between the primary device and the auxiliary device.

19. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. one or more of the primary device and the auxiliary device are connected to a central computing / control means; 20. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. each of the devices includes a communication module for communicating information between the devices; 21. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The primary device and the auxiliary device are: Bluetooth (registered trademark), ・Wi-Fi and ・Wireless and communicating via any one or more of:

22. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A user may remotely monitor the communication information from another computing device; 23. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. each of said devices having a unique identifier code; 24. The microgrid of any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. 1. An electrochemical device or balance of plant device, comprising: means for connecting to an at least partially connected mesh network comprising at least one other device; a wireless communication means configured to wirelessly transmit information to or receive information from at least one other of the devices, the information relating to operation of the device or at least one other of the devices within the mesh network; the electrochemical device, the balance of plant device, or at least one other said device is controlled in response to the transmitted information; The control includes starting, stopping, or restarting the device in response to the transmitted information; Including, 1. An electrochemical device or balance of plant device comprising:

26. a controller configured to control the device in response to received information regarding the operation of at least one other device in the mesh network; 26. The device of claim 25.

27. the device is one or more of an electrolyzer, an AEM electrolyzer, an AEM electrolyzer with a dry cathode, a renewable power source, a dryer, a water tank, and a compressor; 27. A device according to claim 25 or 26.

28. 1. A method for controlling devices in a microgrid, the microgrid comprising a plurality of devices including at least one or more primary devices and one or more auxiliary devices, comprising: The method comprises: connecting a plurality of said devices to form an at least partially connected mesh network for wirelessly communicating information between said devices; controlling at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices in response to the communicated information regarding operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices; Including, the controlling of the auxiliary device includes activating, deactivating, or resuming the auxiliary device in response to the communicated information regarding the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices; A method characterized by:

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