Method for operating a hydrogen production system

Abstract

The application relates to a method for operating a hydrogen production system (100) with at least one electrolysis plant (124), more particularly for controlling the electrolysis plant (124), comprising determining the amount of hydrogen to be dispensed by the electrolysis plant (124) in a first time period, determining the electrical energy needed by the electrolysis plant (124) to produce the determined amount of hydrogen in the first time period, obtaining a regenerative energy generator forecast for the first time period, wherein the regenerative energy generator forecast comprises at least one energy estimate value of the regenerative electrical energy that can be provided during the first time period by at least one wind park (118) that can be connected to the electrolysis plant (124) and / or at least one photovoltaic park (120) that can be connected to the electrolysis plant (124), obtaining at least one electrical fill level indication from at least one electrical energy store (122) that can be connected to the electrolysis plant (124), creating a control curve for the first time period, based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated providable regenerative energy and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy store and controlling the electrolysis plant (124) during the first time period in accordance with the created control curve.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a hydrogen production system

[0002] The application relates to a method for operating a hydrogen production system with at least one electrolysis system, in particular for controlling the electrolysis system. Furthermore, the application relates to a control device, a hydrogen production system, and a computer program.

[0003] Hydrogen, especially hydrogen gas, is increasingly being used as an energy carrier these days. Hydrogen can be produced from water through electrolysis. Electrolysis involves the application of electrical energy or power to force a redox reaction, thereby generating hydrogen.

[0004] The generated or produced hydrogen can then be stored, for example, in suitable storage facilities. Alternatively, the hydrogen can also be converted into methane, and the methane can then be stored. The stored hydrogen (or methane) can be converted into electrical energy, for example, using a hydrogen fuel cell (also known as reverse electrolysis) or by combustion in a gas-fired power plant. It goes without saying that the produced hydrogen and / or methane can also be used for other chemical processes.

[0005] In the current state of the art, electrolysis plants are generally operated with electrical power from a (public) interconnected electrical grid, in particular the 50 Hz interconnected grid. In particular, it is common practice in the current state of the art to operate an electrolysis plant with a consistent (preferably high) load using grid power from the interconnected grid. In this case, the electrolysis plant is controlled depending on the hydrogen consumption or demand. A disadvantage of hydrogen production systems supplied with electrical energy from a conventional interconnected grid, however, is that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are generated during hydrogen production. The reason for this is that energy producers based on fossil energy sources (in particular coal, natural gas, petroleum, etc.) also feed electrical energy into the interconnected electrical grid.

[0006] However, in order to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) generation in times of climate change, one goal is to increasingly use so-called renewable energy sources as the energy source(s) to supply the at least one electrolysis plant in the hydrogen production system. A renewable or regenerative energy source is understood in particular to be an energy source that is practically inexhaustible and / or regenerates relatively quickly.

[0007] Among the most important renewable energies are wind energy and solar energy. A wind turbine can convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. With solar energy, the energy of solar radiation, i.e., the corresponding electromagnetic radiation, can be converted into electrical energy by a photovoltaic system.

[0008] The problem with wind energy and solar energy is that they are both volatile energy sources. This means in particular that a wind turbine or a photovoltaic system can only supply electrical energy directly dependent on the current meteorological conditions at the installation site of the wind turbine or photovoltaic system. For example, the renewable electrical energy that can be provided by a wind turbine depends directly on the wind conditions (particularly wind speed and wind direction). In the case of a photovoltaic system, the renewable electrical energy that can be provided by the photovoltaic system depends in particular on meteorological parameters such as the position of the sun and / or the degree of cloud cover. Pilot-scale hydrogen production systems with a maximum power consumption of less than 50 MW are known from the state of the art.However, such systems are not suitable for large-scale use.

[0009] Consequently, the hydrogen production systems described above are used, which are supplied with electrical energy from the interconnected grid and controlled depending on the amount of hydrogen consumed. This means that the power supply to the electrolysis plant of the hydrogen production system is controlled only depending on the specified amount of hydrogen to be delivered.

[0010] A disadvantage of such hydrogen production systems is that there is currently no possibility of at least increasing the proportion of electrical renewable energy provided by at least one renewable energy source and consumed by an electrolysis plant of a large-scale (in particular > 100 MW) hydrogen production system without having to expand wind farms and / or photovoltaic parks. In particular, the use of non-renewable energy is still required.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present application is to create a possibility which makes it possible, in particular in a large-scale (in particular > 100 MW) hydrogen production system, to increase, in particular to maximize (or to reduce the proportion of non-renewable energy) the proportion of electrical energy or power from renewable energy sources.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the application, the object is achieved by a method for operating a hydrogen production system with at least one electrolysis system, in particular for controlling the electrolysis system. The method comprises: determining the amount of hydrogen to be released by the electrolysis system in a first period of time,

[0013] Determining the electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant to produce the specific amount of hydrogen in the first period, Obtaining a renewable energy generator forecast for the first period, wherein the renewable energy generator forecast comprises at least one energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided by at least one wind farm connectable to the electrolysis plant and / or at least one photovoltaic park connectable to the electrolysis plant during the first period, Obtaining at least one electrical fill level indication from at least one electrical energy storage device connectable to the electrolysis plant, and

[0014] Creating a control curve for the first period of time based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available renewable energy and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage, and

[0015] Control of the electrolysis plant during the first period according to the created control curve.

[0016] By providing, in contrast to the prior art, a control method according to the application in which the electrolysis plant is controlled not only as a function of the amount of hydrogen to be produced, but also as a function of the available renewable electrical energy that can be provided by a wind farm and / or photovoltaic park and / or an electrical energy storage device, it is made possible, in particular in a large-scale (in particular > 100 MW) hydrogen production system, to increase, in particular to maximize, the proportion of electrical energy or power from renewable energy sources. In particular, the control method according to the application allows the production of so-called green hydrogen or CO2-free hydrogen. The method serves to operate a hydrogen production system, in particular at least one electrolysis plant of the hydrogen production system.In particular, the energy supply or power supply of the electrolysis plant can be regulated by the method according to the application. In particular, it can be specified how much energy from which energy source (of at least two energy sources) the electrolysis plant is supplied with.

[0017] An electrolysis system can comprise or be formed from a plurality of devices operating with electrical energy. The electrolysis system can comprise at least one electrolyzer or electrolyzer stack, for example, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. It is understood that alternatively or additionally, the at least one electrolyzer can be of a different type, such as a high-temperature electrolyzer or the like. Preferably, an electrolysis system can comprise a plurality of electrolyzer stacks or electrolyzer modules.

[0018] An electrolysis plant may (in a conventional manner) comprise at least one further device, such as a water treatment device, a compressor device, etc.

[0019] According to the application, the amount of hydrogen to be delivered by the electrolysis plant in a first period is first determined. The first period is a future (specifiable) period. The first period can, for example, be between 15 minutes and 1 week. The first period can also be divided into a plurality of first sub-periods. As will be described, a second period can immediately follow the first period, which in turn can immediately follow a third period, etc. The amount of hydrogen to be delivered in the first period means in particular the amount of hydrogen that must be delivered to at least one other entity, such as a customer's processing plant (e.g. chemical plant, gas network, etc.), in the first period. Determining the amount of hydrogen to be delivered can comprise receiving a request with a desired amount of hydrogen.In the case of a plurality of requests, the total amount of hydrogen to be delivered during the first period can be determined from the individual requested amounts of hydrogen.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the application, the electrical energy required by the electrolysis system (i.e., in particular, the plurality of devices of the electrolysis system) is determined to determine the specific amount of hydrogen in the first period. The determination of the energy requirement can be based, in particular, on the known electrical performance data of the electrolysis system or the individual devices of the electrolysis system and the specific amount of hydrogen. Thus, it can be known how much electrical energy is required to produce a specified amount of hydrogen. Based on this, the electrical energy required for the specific amount of hydrogen can be determined, in particular calculated.

[0021] In order to increase the proportion of electrical energy based on renewable energy sources, the application proposes that a renewable energy generation forecast be obtained or provided for at least the first period. The at least one energy generation forecast contains at least one energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that is (likely) available during the first period.

[0022] An energy estimate also includes, in particular, an estimated current and / or an estimated power. The renewable electrical energy can be delivered or provided, in particular, by a wind farm that can be electrically connected to the electrolysis plant and / or a photovoltaic farm that can be electrically connected to the electrolysis plant. It is understood that two or more wind farms and / or two or more photovoltaic farms can be provided.

[0023] A wind farm has at least one wind turbine configured to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy (referred to herein in particular as renewable electrical energy). A photovoltaic park has at least one photovoltaic system configured to convert solar energy or the corresponding electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy (referred to herein in particular as renewable electrical energy). For example, the renewable energy generation forecast can be provided by the at least one wind farm and / or photovoltaic park. By providing a renewable energy generation forecast, the operation of the at least one electrolysis plant can be adapted to the (probably) available renewable electrical energy.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the hydrogen production system may comprise the at least one wind farm and / or the at least one photovoltaic park.

[0025] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the hydrogen production system can comprise at least one electrical energy storage device. For example, a rechargeable battery can be provided as the electrical energy storage device. It is understood that a plurality of electrical energy storage devices can be provided.

[0026] In particular, an electrical fill level indicator can be provided for controlling the electrolysis system. The electrical fill level indicator indicates, in particular, the (maximum) amount of electrical energy that the at least one electrical energy storage device can provide during the first period. The electrical fill level can be measured, in particular, by an electrical fill level sensor (in particular a charge level sensor) and provided as an electrical fill level indicator.

[0027] Preferably, the electrical energy storage device can only be charged with renewable energy, which can be provided, for example, by the at least one wind farm and / or the at least one photovoltaic park.

[0028] According to the application, a (time-dependent) control curve is created for the first period to control the electrolysis system. A time-dependent control curve includes, in particular, (electrical) setpoints to be set by the electrolysis system or the respective devices of the electrolysis system. In addition to electrical setpoints, other process-related setpoints can also be provided (e.g., a target volume flow of hydrogen or the like). Furthermore, a created control curve specifies, in particular, the energy source from which the electrical energy with which the electrolysis system is controlled or supplied is supplied. The (time-dependent) control curve is created based at least on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available renewable energy, and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage device.As will be described later, the creation of the control curve can be based on at least one additional parameter. In particular, the creation of the control curve can be based on the provided or determined data and a predefined control algorithm. A control algorithm specifically specifies the rules according to which a control curve is to be created.

[0029] According to the application, a control curve can, in particular, comprise or be formed from a plurality of sub-control curves. In particular, a sub-control curve can be created for at least a plurality of (preferably each) electrically operating devices of the electrolysis system. As will be described below, a control curve can also comprise, as a sub-control curve, a charging curve and / or a hydrogen storage curve (explained in more detail below).

[0030] In particular, a control or target curve can be created for the first period to supply the electrolysis system. The control curve ensures, in particular, that the electrolysis system is supplied with the specific required electrical energy during the first period and that the energy is (if possible) renewable energy, as stated above.

[0031] According to the application, the electrolysis system is then controlled during the first period according to the established control curve. This means, in particular, supplying the electrolysis system with electrical energy (or current or power) according to the established control curve, i.e., in particular depending on the specific electrical energy required, the estimated available renewable energy, and the energy available from the electrical energy storage device. In particular, controlling according to the application comprises providing the control curve of the electrolysis system such that the at least one controller of the electrolysis system controls the at least one component of the electrolysis system according to the control curve.

[0032] It goes without saying that the control curve can be adjusted, at least as needed. For example, if the renewable energy generator forecast or the required electrical energy changes, this can be detected. The created control curve can then be adjusted or recreated based on at least one changed value.

[0033] If, for example, it is determined during the first period that the electrolysis plant cannot be supplied with regenerative electrical energy from the at least one wind farm and / or the at least one photovoltaic park in accordance with the control curve created, because, for example, there is a discrepancy between the energy estimate and the energy that can actually be provided, the then missing electrical energy can preferably be provided from the electrical energy storage device.

[0034] It is understood that in certain variants of the application, if necessary (e.g., if sufficient renewable electrical energy is not available and / or more electrical energy is required at short notice than previously determined), the electrolysis plant can also be supplied from an interconnected grid. In other variants, an additional amount of hydrogen can also be provided by another hydrogen supplier and / or hydrogen production system if necessary.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the creation of the control curve (for the first time period) may further comprise:

[0036] Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available regenerative electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available energy is greater than or equal to the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant is supplied only with the available regenerative electrical energy, and wherein, if the energy estimate of the available regenerative electrical energy is less than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant is supplied with the available regenerative electrical energy and the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device.

[0037] In other words, a control algorithm (already described) can specify that supplying the electrolysis plant with renewable energy provided by a wind farm and / or a photovoltaic park is prioritized. In particular, it can first be checked whether the estimated available renewable electrical energy (alone) is sufficient to supply the electrolysis plant with the specific required energy. For this purpose, the estimated energy value can be compared with the specific required electrical energy (or value).

[0038] If the comparison determines that the energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy is greater than or equal to the specific required electrical energy, the electrolysis plant can only be supplied with the available renewable electrical energy. In particular, a control curve can be created that specifies that only the energy provided by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park is used to supply the electrolysis plant during the initial period. As described, if the energy estimate is incorrect, energy can also be fed in from another source (e.g., energy storage and / or interconnected grid) if needed.

[0039] If the comparison determines that the estimated energy available is less than the specific required electrical energy, the electrolysis plant can be supplied with the available renewable electrical energy and additionally with the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device. In particular, a control curve can be created that specifies that the energy provided by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park and additionally the energy provided by the energy storage device are used to supply the electrolysis plant with electrical energy during the first period.

[0040] In particular, a control algorithm (again here) can specify that initially all the energy available from the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park is used to operate the electrolysis plant, and only the remaining energy is supplied by the electrical energy storage system. As described above, if the energy estimate is incorrect, energy can also be fed in from another source (e.g., energy storage system and / or grid).

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise:

[0042] Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available regenerative electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available regenerative electrical energy is greater than the determined required electrical energy (and the at least one electrical fill level is below a certain fill level value), a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant is supplied only with the available regenerative electrical energy and the at least one electrical energy storage device is charged with at least an excess part of the available regenerative electrical energy.

[0043] In other words, a control algorithm (already described) can (also here) specify that supplying the electrolysis plant with renewable energy provided by a wind farm and / or a photovoltaic park is prioritized.

[0044] The previously described comparison operation can also be performed in this embodiment. If the comparison determines that the estimated energy available is greater than the specific electrical energy required, the additionally available electrical energy can be used to charge the at least one electrical energy storage device. In particular, in this embodiment, a control curve can be created which specifies that only the energy provided by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park is used to supply the electrolysis plant during the first period. The additional energy available from the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park can be used at least partially to charge the energy storage device (provided the fill level or charge state of the electrical energy storage device permits this). In particular, a corresponding charging curve can be created.The charging curve can be part of the control curve. The electrical energy storage device can be charged according to the charging curve.

[0045] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device can be charged with renewable energy when more energy is provided (or generated) by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park than is required by the electrolysis plant during the first period. The stored renewable energy can then be consumed by the electrolysis plant when less energy is provided (or generated) by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park than is required by the electrolysis plant, for example, in a second period following the first period.

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise:

[0047] Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy is greater than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant is supplied with the available renewable electrical energy that is greater than the determined required electrical energy, such that at least one hydrogen storage device connectable to the electrolysis plant is filled with an excess portion of the hydrogen produced. In particular, it may happen that the electrolysis plant is capable of producing more hydrogen in the first period than the amount of hydrogen to be delivered determined for the first period.Furthermore, the hydrogen production system can preferably comprise at least one hydrogen storage device or at least be connectable to a hydrogen storage device.

[0048] In this embodiment, more hydrogen can be produced (if the fill level of the hydrogen storage allows it) than can be delivered by the electrolysis plant (e.g. to a customer) and this excess hydrogen can be stored in the hydrogen storage.

[0049] The previously described comparison operation can also be carried out in this embodiment. In particular, only if the comparison determines that the estimated energy value of the available energy is greater than the specific electrical energy required can the additionally available electrical energy be used at least partially to operate the electrolysis plant, in particular to produce additional hydrogen. In particular, in this embodiment, a control curve can be created which stipulates that the energy provided by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic farm is used to supply the electrolysis plant during the first period. Furthermore, a corresponding hydrogen storage curve can be created. The hydrogen storage can be filled with hydrogen in accordance with the hydrogen storage curve. The hydrogen storage curve can be part of the control curve.

[0050] If the hydrogen production system comprises at least one hydrogen storage device and at least one electrical energy storage device, the at least one control algorithm can specify whether excess electrical regenerative energy is used to charge the electrical energy storage device and / or to fill the hydrogen storage device. This can depend, in particular, on the fill levels of said storage devices. In particular, respective fill level limit values ​​can be defined in the control algorithm.

[0051] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise:

[0052] Obtaining at least one fill level indication from at least one hydrogen storage device that can be connected to the electrolysis plant,

[0053] Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available regenerative electrical energy, wherein, if the determined required electrical energy is greater than the energy estimate of the available regenerative energy and the at least one electrical fill level indication (or the electrical energy stored according to the fill level indication and thus in particular available), a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant is supplied with the available regenerative electrical energy and the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device and a difference in the amount of hydrogen between the amount of hydrogen that can be produced by the electrolysis plant and the determined amount of hydrogen to be delivered is provided by the hydrogen storage device.

[0054] In particular, only if it is determined that the energy deliverable by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park and the energy stored in the electrical energy storage device together are insufficient to supply the electrolysis plant with the specific electrical energy required can a hydrogen difference between the amount of hydrogen that can be produced by the electrolysis plant (with the amount of hydrogen from the electrical energy storage device and that from the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park) and the specific amount of hydrogen to be delivered be provided by the hydrogen storage device. In this case, too, only renewably produced (or green) hydrogen can be delivered. In particular, a corresponding control curve can also be created in this embodiment.

[0055] Advantageously, the hydrogen storage unit can be filled using renewable electrical energy when more electrical energy is provided (or generated) by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park than is required by the electrolysis plant during the first period. The then stored amount of hydrogen can then be released from the hydrogen storage unit when less energy is provided (or generated) by the wind farm and / or photovoltaic park, and in particular by the electrical energy, than is required by the electrolysis plant, for example, in a second period that may follow the first period.

[0056] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable energy can be based on at least one weather forecast for the installation location of the at least one wind farm and / or at least one weather forecast for the installation location of the at least one photovoltaic park for the first period of time. In particular, obtaining an energy estimate can comprise determining the at least one energy estimate based on the at least one weather forecast and at least one performance date of the at least one wind farm and / or at least one performance date of the at least one photovoltaic park.At least if a performance date changes (e.g., due to a failure of a wind turbine and / or photovoltaic system) or if at least one weather forecast has changed, the at least one estimated value can be redetermined. Preferably, the at least one estimated value can be updated regularly.

[0057] A weather forecast may contain at least one estimated meteorological parameter, such as (average) wind speed, (average) wind direction, position of the sun, (average) degree of cloud cover, (average) solar radiation, etc.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the creation of the control curve for the first time period may further comprise:

[0059] Distributing the determined required electrical energy to the time-dependent control curve for the first time period, wherein the course of the time-dependent control curve is based on at least one run-up time of the electrolysis system and / or at least one run-down time of the electrolysis system (and in particular the set operating point at time t = 0 of the first time period).

[0060] In particular, it has been recognized that an electrolysis plant (especially a large-scale one) cannot be controlled arbitrarily quickly, i.e., with arbitrarily steep ramps. Thus, at least one ramp-up time of the electrolysis plant and / or at least one ramp-down time of the electrolysis plant can limit the control speed.

[0061] A ramp-up time refers, in particular, to the time required to move an electrolysis system (or even just an electrically operated device within the electrolysis system) from a first operating point (e.g., a specific first power level, etc.) to a second operating point that is higher than the first operating point (e.g., a specific second, higher power level, etc.). In particular, a ramp-up time also includes the switch-on time of a device. The switch-on time refers, in particular, to the time required to bring a device (e.g., an electrolyzer stack) from a switched-off state to an operational state (without causing damage or causing critical system conditions).

[0062] A shutdown time refers, in particular, to the time required to move an electrolysis system (or even just a device within the electrolysis system) from a first operating point (e.g., a specific first power, etc.) to a second operating point that is lower than the first operating point (e.g., a specific second, lower power, etc.). In particular, a shutdown time also includes the shutdown time of a device. The shutdown time refers, in particular, to the time required to move a device (e.g., an electrolyzer stack) from a switched-on, operational state to a switched-off state (without causing damage or causing critical system conditions).

[0063] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the application, the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable energy can be a time-dependent energy estimate profile for the first time period. In other words, a plurality of time-dependent energy estimates for the first time period can be provided as the time-dependent energy estimate profile. As already described, a time-dependent energy estimate profile for the first time period can be determined based on at least one weather forecast for the respective location of the respective wind farm and / or photovoltaic park.

[0064] The distribution of the determined electrical energy across the time-dependent control curve can preferably be based on the time-dependent energy estimation profile. This makes it possible, in particular, to take into account the fluctuations in the generation of electrical energy by a wind farm and / or a photovoltaic park when controlling the electrolysis plant, particularly in addition to the described ramp-up and ramp-down times. A control curve can be created that takes into account both the technical control limits of the electrolysis plant and the fluctuations in the provision of renewable energy.

[0065] For example, if a lull in wind is forecast for a second period and / or for the end of the first period, the electrolysis plant can first be ramped up to maximum power and then shut down in time without the need to draw on energy from the interconnected grid.

[0066] By creating an appropriate control curve or control line, the share of electrical energy or power from renewable energy sources can be increased even further.

[0067] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise:

[0068] Obtaining a further renewable energy generator forecast for a second period following the first period, wherein the further renewable energy generator forecast comprises at least one further energy estimate (preferably a further time-dependent energy estimate profile) of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided by at least one wind farm that can be connected to the electrolysis plant and / or at least one photovoltaic park that can be connected to the electrolysis plant during the second period, wherein the distribution of the determined required electrical energy to the time-dependent control curve of the first period is based on the at least one further energy estimate (preferably on the at least one further energy estimate profile) of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the second period.

[0069] By taking into account at least one further renewable energy generator forecast for a second period following the first period when creating the control curve for the first period, the control of the electrolysis system can be particularly well adapted to the fluctuations of the volatile energy sources, i.e. the wind farm and / or the photovoltaic park. In particular, the closer an energy generator forecast is to the current time, the more accurate it becomes. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the application, the distribution of the determined required electrical energy across the time-dependent control curve of the first period can further be based on the at least one electrical fill level indication of the at least one electrical energy storage device and / or at least one fill level indication of at least one hydrogen storage device connectable to the electrolysis system.

[0070] As already described, the control curve for the initial period can be based on the respective fill level of the aforementioned storage units. In particular, fluctuations in the supply of renewable electrical energy that exceed the ramp-up and / or ramp-down times of the electrolysis plant can be compensated for by energy from the electrical storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, the electrolysis plant can be shut down in a timely manner, and any missing hydrogen can be supplied by the hydrogen storage unit.

[0071] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise

[0072] Receiving a hydrogen production request to produce an additional amount of hydrogen to be delivered during the first period (and / or second period),

[0073] Determining the additional electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant to produce the additional amount of hydrogen to be delivered in the first period; producing at least a portion of the additional amount of hydrogen to be delivered based on the determined additional electrical energy required, the energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, and the obtained electrical fill level information. In particular, at least a portion of the additional amount of hydrogen to be delivered is produced only if the electrical energy required for production can be provided or covered by the wind farm and / or the photovoltaic park. Preferably, the control curve can be adjusted as described.

[0074] If a further request for the production of an additional amount of hydrogen is received, it can be checked before this request is accepted whether the additional amount of hydrogen can be produced by the electrolysis plant without energy being provided by the interconnected grid.

[0075] In particular, the additional energy required for the production of the additional amount of hydrogen by the electrolysis plant can first be determined in the manner described above. Then, in the manner described above (in particular by comparison), it can be determined whether this additionally required energy can be provided by the wind farm and / or the photovoltaic park. Optionally, it can be determined whether the additional energy can be at least partially supplied by the at least one electrical storage device and / or whether the additional amount of hydrogen can be at least partially provided by the hydrogen storage device.

[0076] If this is not the case, i.e., if the additional energy required cannot be provided by the wind farm and / or the photovoltaic park, and in particular, by the electrical energy storage system or the additional hydrogen from the hydrogen storage system, then the electrolysis plant may not produce the additional hydrogen. The request can be rejected.

[0077] If it is determined that the additional energy can be provided by the wind farm and / or the photovoltaic park, or optionally or additionally by the energy storage system, or the additional amount of hydrogen can be provided by the hydrogen storage system, then the electrolysis system can produce the additional amount of hydrogen. In particular, at least the control curve for the first period can be adjusted accordingly. Optionally, a charging curve and / or a storage curve for the first period can be adjusted.

[0078] It goes without saying that it can first be checked whether the basic capacity of the electrolysis plant even allows for additional production of the requested amount of hydrogen. If this is not the case, the requested amount of hydrogen will not be produced.

[0079] As already described, the electrolysis plant may comprise a plurality of electrolyzer stacks or electrolysis modules. According to a further embodiment of the method according to the application, the method may further comprise:

[0080] Obtaining a respective state of the plurality of electrolyzer stacks, and controlling the respective electrolyzer stack based on the determined respective state and the determined required electrical energy.

[0081] Obtaining a respective state can, in particular, comprise determining the respective state of the plurality of electrolyzer stacks. Determining the respective state can, in particular, comprise determining the respective activation period of the respective electrolyzer stack. The activation period means the period of time during which the respective electrolyzer stack was activated or operated in the past. In addition, the determining can comprise detecting damage and / or failures (e.g., due to (current or expected) maintenance and / or repair) of an electrolyzer stack. Controlling the respective electrolyzer stack can preferably comprise at least activating and / or deactivating an electrolyzer stack. In particular, the controlling can comprise specifying the load distribution among the electrolyzer stacks. This can be specified to a local controller of the electrolyzer stacks.Based on this specification, the local controller can control the electrolyzer stacks. Control can also include adjusting the supply current between a maximum permissible supply current and a minimum permissible supply current. This can be reflected, in particular, in the control curve for the first time period. In other words, the creation of the control curve for the first time period can, in particular, also be based on the respective state of the respective electrolyzer stacks.

[0082] For example, the at least one control algorithm can specify that the electrolyzer stacks be loaded as evenly as possible. This can, for example, lead to a first electrolyzer stack that has a longer activation time than a second electrolyzer stack being shut down or deactivated with priority.

[0083] A further aspect of the application is a control device of a hydrogen production system having at least one electrolysis system, wherein the control device is particularly configured to carry out the method described above. The control device comprises at least one first determination module configured to determine the amount of hydrogen to be delivered by the electrolysis system in a first period of time. The control device comprises at least one second determination module configured to determine the electrical energy required by the electrolysis system to produce the determined amount of hydrogen in the first period of time.The control device comprises at least one first receiving module configured to receive a renewable energy generator forecast for the first period, wherein the renewable energy generator forecast comprises at least one energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided by at least one wind farm connectable to the electrolysis system and / or at least one photovoltaic park connectable to the electrolysis system during the first period. The control device comprises at least one second receiving module configured to receive at least one electrical fill level indication from at least one electrical energy storage device connectable to the electrolysis system.The control device comprises at least one control module configured to create a control curve for the first time period based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available regenerative energy, and the energy available from the electrical energy storage device (and in particular based on a previously described control algorithm). The control module is configured to control the electrolysis system during the first time period according to the created control curve.

[0084] Another aspect of the application is a hydrogen production system. The hydrogen production system comprises at least one electrolysis system. The hydrogen production system comprises at least one previously described control device.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment of the hydrogen production system according to the application, the hydrogen production system can comprise at least one (previously described) electrical energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the hydrogen production system can comprise at least one (previously described) hydrogen storage device.

[0086] According to a further embodiment of the hydrogen production system according to the application, the hydrogen production system can be an offshore hydrogen production system. The at least one wind farm can be an offshore wind farm and / or the at least one photovoltaic farm can be an offshore photovoltaic farm. Yet another aspect of the application is a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer (e.g., in the form of a programmable logic controller), cause the computer to execute the method described above.

[0087] The computer program, in particular the commands or program instructions, can be stored in a computer program product, in particular a program memory. For example, a program memory is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or an optical memory.

[0088] Additionally, a computer in which, for example, the control device is implemented may have a main memory, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM), such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), and / or magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The processor of the user terminal may, for example, store intermediate results or the like in the main memory.

[0089] A previously described module, element, etc. may at least partially comprise hardware elements (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) and / or at least partially comprise software elements (e.g., executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," etc., only indicate an order if explicitly described, and otherwise only serve to distinguish between two elements. Furthermore, it is understood that two or more modules (e.g., first and second destination modules, first and second receive modules, etc.) may be implemented in one module.

[0090] The features of the methods, control devices, hydrogen production systems, and computer programs can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims may be independently inventive, even if they completely or partially circumvent features of the independent claims, either alone or in freely combined form.

[0091] There are now numerous possibilities for designing and further developing the method according to the application, the control device according to the application, the hydrogen production system according to the application, and the computer program or product according to the application. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the patent claims subordinate to the independent patent claims and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0092] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a hydrogen production system according to the present application with an embodiment of a control device according to the present application, and

[0093] Fig. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a hydrogen production system, in particular for controlling an electrolysis plant of the hydrogen production system, according to the present application.

[0094] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a hydrogen production system 100 according to the present application with an embodiment of a control device 102 according to the present application.

[0095] The hydrogen production system 100 comprises at least the control device 102 and at least one electrolysis system 124, which is in particular controllable by the control device 102. The hydrogen production system 100 can preferably comprise at least one electrical energy storage device 122 (for example, a rechargeable battery) and / or at least one hydrogen storage device 134. It is understood that two or more electrical energy storage devices and / or two or more hydrogen storage devices can be provided. The hydrogen storage device 134 can be connected to the electrolysis system 124 via a fluid connection 142, in particular for filling the hydrogen storage device 134. Hydrogen can be delivered from the hydrogen storage device 134 to a hydrogen outlet 136 via a further fluid connection 144. Hydrogen can also be delivered from the electrolysis system 124 to the hydrogen outlet 136 via a further fluid connection 146.

[0096] Furthermore, the electrolysis plant 124 can be electrically connected to at least one wind farm 118 and / or to at least one photovoltaic park 120, in particular (indirectly) via an interconnected grid. Isolated operation, in which, for example, the wind farm is directly connected to the electrolysis plant 124, is not contemplated. Optionally, the hydrogen production system 100 can comprise the at least one wind farm 118 and / or the at least one photovoltaic park 120.

[0097] For an electrical connection, an electrical supply network 140 is provided. It is understood that additional components can be connected to the electrical supply network 140 if necessary. For example, an electrical consumer of the hydrogen storage unit 134 can also be connected to the electrical supply network 140.

[0098] Furthermore, at least one (wireless and / or wired) communication network 138 can be provided to enable communication between the various elements shown. It is understood that additional components can be connected to the at least one communication network 138. For example, a communication connection between wind farm 118 and photovoltaic farm 120 can also be provided to enable forecasting. The hydrogen outlet 136 can also be connected, for example, to "talk" about the hydrogen required or the hydrogen to be supplied.

[0099] The electrolysis system 102 can include at least one electrical connection 126 and at least one communication module 128. As already described, an electrolysis system 102 can include or be formed by a plurality of devices / modules. By way of example, at least one water treatment device 130 and a plurality of electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n are shown here. It is understood that further devices can be provided, such as hydrogen treatment (e.g., purification, compression, etc.) or the like.

[0100] In particular, for detecting the respective state of the respective electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n, the electrolysis system 102 may comprise at least one sensor arrangement 154.

[0101] The electrical energy storage device 122 may comprise an electrical connection 148, a communication connection 150 and, in particular, at least one fill level sensor (in particular a charge state sensor) 152 for measuring the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device 122.

[0102] In addition to a hydrogen tank, the hydrogen storage device 134 may include a hydrogen inlet 156, a hydrogen outlet 158, and a communication module 160. Optionally, a fill level sensor 162 may be provided, configured to detect and, in particular, provide the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device 134.

[0103] The control device 102 can, in particular, be formed by at least one computer (preferably a programmable logic controller (PLC)) or be implemented in a computer. The illustrated control device 102 comprises at least one first determination module 104 configured to determine the amount of hydrogen to be delivered or produced by the electrolysis system 124 (at the hydrogen outlet 136 of the hydrogen production system 100) in a first period of time.

[0104] The control device 102 comprises at least a second determination module 106, configured to determine the electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant 124 to produce the specific amount of hydrogen in the first period.

[0105] The control device 102 comprises at least a first receiving module 108 configured to receive a renewable energy generator forecast for the first period. The renewable energy generator forecast comprises at least one energy estimate, preferably a time-dependent energy estimate profile or a time-dependent energy estimate curve, of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the first period by at least one wind farm 118 connectable to the electrolysis plant 124 and / or at least one photovoltaic farm 120 connectable to the electrolysis plant 124.

[0106] The control device 102 comprises at least one second receiving module 110 configured to receive at least one electrical fill level indication from the at least one electrical energy storage device 122 connectable to the electrolysis system 124. Optionally, the second receiving module 110 may be configured to receive at least one fill level indication from the at least one hydrogen storage device 134 connectable to the electrolysis system 124.

[0107] The control device 102 comprises at least one control module 112 configured to create a control curve for the first time period based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available renewable energy, and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage device. The control module 112 is configured to control the electrolysis system 124 during the first time period according to the created control curve. This means, in particular, controlling the supply of electrical energy to the electrolysis system 124 during the first time period according to the created control curve.

[0108] Furthermore, the control device 102 may include at least one data memory 114. Data memory 114 may, in particular, store data that can be used by other modules (e.g., 104, 106, and 112).

[0109] For example, performance data of the electrolysis system 124 can be stored in the data memory 114. At least one control algorithm can also be stored in the data memory 114.

[0110] A control algorithm specifies in particular the rules according to which a control curve is to be created by the control module 112.

[0111] The first receiving module and / or second receiving module can be formed, for example, by a (common) bidirectional communication module of the control device 102.

[0112] The operation of a hydrogen production system 100 is described in more detail by way of example with the aid of Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a hydrogen production system 100, in particular for controlling an electrolysis system 124 of the hydrogen production system 100, according to the present application.

[0113] In a first step 201, the amount of hydrogen to be delivered by the electrolysis system 124 in a first period of time is determined, in particular by the first determination module 104. In particular, the amount of hydrogen to be delivered can be determined, in particular calculated, based on at least one request to produce a specific or desired amount of hydrogen in a first period of time. In step 202, the electrical energy required by the electrolysis system 124 to produce the specific amount of hydrogen in the first period of time is determined, in particular by the second determination module 106. In particular, the second determination module 106 can access the (electrical) performance data of the electrolysis system 124 stored in the data memory 114 and, based on the performance data of the electrolysis system 124 and the specific amount of hydrogen, determine the electrical energy (or power) required for this in the first period of time.

[0114] In a step 203, a renewable energy generator forecast for the first period is obtained, in particular by the first receiving module 108. The renewable energy generator forecast comprises at least one energy estimate (preferably an energy estimate profile for the first period) of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided or delivered by the at least one wind farm 118 and / or the at least one photovoltaic park 120 during the first period.

[0115] The at least one energy estimate is based in particular on the (stored) performance data of a wind farm 118 and a weather forecast (for example provided by a service provider) for the first period of time at the location of the wind farm 118 and / or on the (stored) performance data of a photovoltaic park 120 and a weather forecast (for example provided by a service provider) for the first period of time at the location of the photovoltaic park 120.

[0116] In variants of the application, further data can be used, such as historical energy generator forecasts and / or environmental information (e.g. obstacles that lead to shading or influence the wind speed) at the aforementioned parks 118, 120. In a step 204 (which can in particular take place at least partially in parallel to step 203), at least one electrical fill level indication from the at least one electrical energy storage device 122 is received, in particular by the second receiving module 110. In particular, the sensor 152 can detect and provide the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device 122.

[0117] Optionally, in step 204, at least one fill level indication from the at least one electrical hydrogen storage device 134 can be obtained, in particular by the second receiving module 110. In particular, the sensor 162 can detect and provide the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device 134.

[0118] Furthermore, optionally, for example in step 204, a respective state of the plurality of electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n can be obtained, in particular by the second receiving module 110.

[0119] In step 205, a time-dependent control curve is created for the first time period based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available renewable energy, and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage device. The creation of the time-dependent control curve can be based on the at least one control algorithm. The control algorithm can specify that the renewable energy of the wind turbine 118 and / or the photovoltaic system 120 is preferably used to supply the electrolysis system 124.

[0120] For example, the control algorithm can specify the following:

[0121] As described, in particular, the determined required electrical energy can be compared with the at least one energy estimate. If the energy estimate is greater than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve can be created in which it is specified that only the regenerative energy of the wind turbine 118 and / or the photovoltaic system 120 is used to supply the electrolysis system 124 during the first period.

[0122] In particular, the control algorithm can take into account the start-up and / or shut-down times of the electrolysis system 124. In addition, the respective maximum fill level of the respective storage units 122, 134 can also be taken into account in the control algorithm.

[0123] If the time-dependent energy estimation profile for the first period contains fluctuations with gradients that cannot be controlled due to the ramp-up and / or ramp-down times of the electrolysis system 124 (without causing damage), the missing electrical energy can be provided, particularly briefly, by the electrical energy storage device 122. It is also conceivable to shut down the electrolysis system 124 early and compensate for the missing amount of hydrogen with the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device 134.

[0124] Should additional renewable energy become available, it can be used to charge the electrical energy storage device 122 and / or to produce additional hydrogen, which can then be stored in the hydrogen storage device 134. Whether the additionally available renewable energy is used to charge the electrical energy storage device and / or indirectly fill the hydrogen storage device 134 can depend on the respective fill levels of the respective storage devices 122, 134. This can also be defined in the control algorithm.

[0125] If the energy estimate is smaller, a control curve can be created in which it is specified that the missing electrical energy is provided by the electrical energy storage 122 or the missing amount of hydrogen is provided by the hydrogen storage 134.

[0126] In addition, a load control can be implemented in the control algorithm in order to distribute the load of the various devices, in particular the electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n, as evenly as possible.

[0127] Alternatively, the load can also be distributed such that all electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n exhibit a uniform state of degradation (wear). In particular, the control of the respective electrolyzer stacks 132.1 to 132.n can be based on the specific respective state and the specific required electrical energy, as already described. This can be depicted, in particular, in the first control curve.

[0128] As already described, if necessary, the electrolysis plant 124 can be supplied with electrical energy from conventional power plants not shown via the interconnected grid.

[0129] In step 206, at least the electrolysis system 124 is controlled, in particular by the control module 112, according to the created control curve. At least the supply of electrical energy to the electrolysis system 124 can be carried out according to the created control curve. In particular, the electrolysis system 124, the electrical storage device 122, and the hydrogen storage device 134 can be operated or controlled according to the control curve, as described.

[0130] Preferably, a control curve can be adapted (and, for example, at least some of steps 201 to 205 can be carried out again). For example, individual steps or all steps can be carried out iteratively. Individual steps can also be carried out in parallel and / or omitted. An adaptation can take place in particular if an input parameter (e.g., estimated energy value, state of an electrolysis stack, etc.) of the control algorithm has changed. Furthermore, in variants it can be provided that steps 201 to 205 are carried out for a plurality of time periods (first, second, etc.). In particular, a preliminary control curve can initially be created, for example, for a second period following the first period, since the energy generator forecast for the second period still contains uncertainties.The provisionally prepared control curve for the second period can then be adjusted, particularly during the first period.

[0131] The present subject matter is based in particular on a holistic approach to the operation of an electrolysis plant (for hydrogen production). In particular, a novel controller or control device serves to holistically, intelligently, and proactively control not only the electrolyzer stack(s), but also the entire electrolysis plant or hydrogen production plant, as well as any storage facilities (electricity and / or hydrogen and / or steam storage in the case of high-temperature electrolyzers). In particular, the distribution of the available electrical power and the distribution of the produced hydrogen to the respective producers and consumers are optimally coordinated to ensure the most economical operation possible, taking into account the process-related constraints.In particular, the present items also take into account future variables that are subject to uncertainty, such as the supply of electricity.

[0132] A holistic and forward-looking approach to operating an entire hydrogen production plant and storage facility not only increases the efficiency of hydrogen production, but also offers the potential to increase utilization (full-load hour equivalents of the plant and storage facilities) and reduce wear and tear caused by degradation of the electrolysis cells and rapid load changes in compressors, tanks, and pipelines. This makes (at least almost) CO2-free hydrogen more economically competitive than conventional hydrogen.

[0133] 100 hydrogen production systems

[0134] 102 Control device, electrolysis plant

[0135] 104 first determination module

[0136] 106 second determination module

[0137] 108 first receiver module

[0138] 110 second receiver module

[0139] 112 Control module

[0140] 114 data storage

[0141] 118 wind farm

[0142] 120 photovoltaic park

[0143] 122 electrical energy storage

[0144] 124 electrolysis plant

[0145] 126 electrical connection

[0146] 128 communication module

[0147] 130 Water treatment device

[0148] 132 Electrolyzer stack

[0149] 134 hydrogen storage

[0150] 136 Hydrogen outlet

[0151] 138 Communication network

[0152] 140 electrical supply network

[0153] 142 Fluid connection

[0154] 144 Fluid connection

[0155] 146 Fluid connection

[0156] 148 electrical connection

[0157] 150 communication port

[0158] 152 Sensor

[0159] 154 Sensor arrangement

[0160] 156 Hydrogen input Hydrogen output Communication module Sensor

Claims

Patent claims for a method for operating a hydrogen production system (100) with at least one electrolysis plant (124), in particular for controlling the electrolysis plant (124), comprising: Determining the amount of hydrogen to be delivered by the electrolysis plant (124) in a first period, Determining the electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant (124) to produce the specified amount of hydrogen in the first period, Obtaining a renewable energy generation forecast for the first period, wherein the renewable energy generation forecast includes at least one energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the first period by at least one wind farm (118) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124) and / or at least one photovoltaic park (120) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124); Obtaining at least one electrical level indication of at least one electrical energy storage device (122) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124). Creating a control curve for the first time period, based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated available renewable energy, and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage system, and Control of the electrolysis system (124) during the first time period according to the generated control curve. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation of the control curve comprises: Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available energy is greater than or equal to the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant (124) is supplied only with the available renewable electrical energy, and wherein, if the energy estimate of the available renewable energy is less than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant (124) is supplied with the available renewable electrical energy and the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device (122).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method further comprises: Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available renewable energy is greater than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which stipulates that the electrolysis plant (124) is supplied only with the available renewable electrical energy and the at least one electrical energy storage device (122) is charged with at least a surplus part of the available renewable electrical energy.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises: Comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, wherein, if the energy estimate of the available renewable energy is greater than the determined required electrical energy, a control curve is created which specifies that the electrolysis plant (124) is supplied with the available renewable electrical energy which is greater than the determined required electrical energy, such that at least one hydrogen storage device (134) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124) is filled with an excess portion of the produced hydrogen.

5. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receiving at least one fill level indication from at least one hydrogen storage device (134) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124), comparing the determined required electrical energy with the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable electrical energy, wherein, if the determined required electrical energy is greater than the energy estimate of the available renewable energy and for the at least one electrical fill level indication, a control curve is created which determines that the electrolysis plant (124) is supplied with the available renewable electrical energy and the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device (122) and a difference in the amount of hydrogen between the amount of hydrogen that can be produced by the electrolysis plant (124) and the determined amount of hydrogen to be delivered is provided by the hydrogen storage device (134).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that which is based on at least one energy estimate of the renewable energy that can be provided, based on at least one weather forecast for the installation site of the at least one wind farm (118) and / or at least one weather forecast for the installation site of the at least one photovoltaic park (120) for the first period of time.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the creation of the control curve for the first time period comprises: distributing the determined required electrical energy onto the time-dependent control curve for the first time period, wherein the course of the time-dependent control curve is based on at least one ramp-up time of the electrolysis plant (124) and / or at least one ramp-down time of the electrolysis plant (124).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one energy estimate of the available renewable energy is a time-dependent energy estimate profile for the first time period, and wherein the distribution of the determined electrical energy onto the time-dependent control curve is based on the time-dependent energy estimate profile.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the method further comprises: Obtaining a further renewable energy generation forecast for a second period following the first period, wherein the further renewable energy generation forecast includes at least one further energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the second period by at least one wind farm (118) and / or at least one photovoltaic park (120) that can be connected to the electrolysis plant (124), wherein the distribution of the determined required electrical energy on the time-dependent control curve of the first period on the at least one further energy estimate based on the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the second period.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the distribution of the specified required electrical energy onto the time-dependent control curve of the first time period is further based on: the at least one electrical level indication of the at least one electrical energy storage device, and / or at least one level indication of at least one hydrogen storage device (134) connectable to the electrolysis system (124).

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receiving a hydrogen production request to produce an additional quantity of hydrogen to be delivered during the first period, Determining the additional electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant (124) to produce the further quantity of hydrogen to be delivered in the first period, and Adjusting the created control curve for the first time period, based on the determined additional electrical energy required, the estimated energy value of the available renewable electrical energy, and the obtained electrical level reading.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrolysis plant (124) comprises a plurality of electrolyzer stacks (132.1, 132.

2. 132.n) and the procedure further includes: Maintaining a respective state of the majority of electrolyzer stacks (132.1, 132.

2. 132.n), and Controlling the respective electrolyzer stack (132.1, 132.2, 132.n) based on the specific respective state and the specific required electrical energy.

13. Control device (102) of a hydrogen production system (100) with at least one electrolysis plant (124), wherein the control device (102) is in particular configured to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, comprising: at least one first determination module (104) configured to determine the quantity of hydrogen to be delivered by the electrolysis plant (124) in a first period, at least one second determination module (106) configured to determine the electrical energy required by the electrolysis plant (124) to produce the determined quantity of hydrogen in the first period, at least one first receiving module (108) configured to receive a renewable energy generation forecast for the first period,wherein the renewable energy generation forecast includes at least an energy estimate of the renewable electrical energy that can be provided during the first period by at least one wind farm (118) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124) and / or at least one photovoltaic park (120) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124), at least one second receiving module (110) configured to receive at least one electrical level indication from at least one electrical energy storage device (122) connectable to the electrolysis plant (124), and at least one control module (112) configured to generate a control curve for the first period, based on the determined required electrical energy, the estimated renewable energy that can be provided, and the energy that can be provided by the electrical energy storage device.wherein the control module (112) is configured to control the electrolysis system (124) during the first time period according to the created control curve.

14. Hydrogen production system (100) comprising at least one electrolysis plant (124) and at least one control device (102) according to claim 12.

15. Hydrogen production system (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the hydrogen production system (100) comprises at least one electrical energy storage device (122), and / or the hydrogen production system (100) comprises at least one hydrogen storage device. (134) includes.

16. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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