Electrolysis Operation Planning for Unstable Renewable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of renewable energy for electrolysis in electrolysis devices leads to unstable power generation, causing frequent stops, electrode degradation, and increased electrical power consumption per unit of production, with low target product concentration during power supply initiation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device creates an operation plan for electrolysis devices with drive and stop modes, optimizing the number of stops and electrical power consumption to maintain target product supply, using predicted power values and minimizing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy is used for electrolysis, then environmental sustainability is improved, but power generation stability deteriorates causing frequent stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future power generation amounts from renewable energy sources and pre-planning electrolysis operations to accumulate target products before power shortages occur. This allows the system to proactively prepare for unstable power generation rather than reactively responding to stops and starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation plan dynamically adjusts the number of stops and operational timing based on predicted power generation patterns. The system flexibly modifies electrolysis schedules to match renewable energy availability while minimizing frequent starts and stops that cause electrode degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrolysis device stops frequently, then adaptability to renewable energy fluctuations is improved, but electrode degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system accumulates target products in advance during periods of sufficient power generation before renewable energy becomes unavailable. This preliminary production reduces the need for frequent restarts and stops, thereby protecting electrodes from degradation while maintaining adaptability to power fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation plan strives to maintain continuous electrolysis operations by scheduling runs during periods of adequate power generation. By minimizing interruptions and keeping the electrolysis process continuously active when possible, the system reduces electrode stress while adapting to renewable energy variability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrolysis device stops frequently, then adaptability to power supply changes is improved, but electrical power per unit of production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary production of target products during periods of adequate power generation, accumulating inventory before power shortages. This approach allows the electrolysis device to operate efficiently in continuous batches rather than frequent short runs, reducing electrical power consumption per unit of production while maintaining adaptability to power supply changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation plan maintains continuous electrolysis operations during available power periods, avoiding frequent interruptions. This continuity improves energy efficiency by reducing the electrical power required per unit of production, as startup and shutdown operations consume disproportionate energy relative to actual production.
4Speed
If electrical power is supplied immediately, then response speed is improved, but target product concentration is too low for supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary electrolysis operations to accumulate sufficient target product concentration before initiating product supply. By pre-producing and accumulating target products during the initial operation phase, the system ensures that when power is first supplied, the concentration reaches levels suitable for product supply, balancing response speed with quality requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution suppresses electrical power consumption per unit of production while ensuring a minimum required amount of target product is produced, reducing electrode degradation and stops.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis device that produces hydrogen as the target product by electrolysis of water
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device that includes an acquisition unit and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a predicted value and a minimum required amount for supply of a target product. The predicted value is the predicted value of electrical power supplied to the electrolysis device. The control unit creates an operation plan corresponding to a number of stops and an electrical power per unit of production in a provisional operation plan in which the number of stops and the electrical power per unit of production of an electrolysis device satisfy a defined condition while using the predicted value or less of other electrical power and supplying the target product at the minimum required amount or more. The electrical power per unit of production is the power consumption of the electrolysis device divided by the amount of the target product supplied.