Hydrogen Electrolysis Control for Surplus Power Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hydrogen production systems fail to absorb surplus power from renewable energy sources and fluctuating power demand, leading to power wastage and increased CO2 emissions.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen production system that includes a hydrogen production device connected to an electric power system, an output control unit to manage power supply, and an adjustment device for pure water, allowing for efficient electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen using surplus power, thereby stabilizing the power grid and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the hydrogen production device operates continuously to produce hydrogen, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but the system cannot adapt to fluctuations in power supply demand and renewable energy output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to power supply fluctuations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the hydrogen production device based on real-time power supply conditions. The control unit receives power amount signals and adjusts the electrolysis operation accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to fluctuating power supply from renewable sources while maintaining optimal hydrogen production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the hydrogen production device based on power supply conditions. By adjusting parameters such as power input and water flow rate in response to power amount signals, the system optimizes hydrogen production efficiency under varying power supply conditions and absorbs surplus renewable energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the amount of pure water supplied to the hydrogen production device is not adjusted according to power supply, then system complexity is reduced, but hydrogen production efficiency decreases and power is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives power amount signals as feedback and adjusts the water supply amount accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that pure water is supplied at the appropriate rate matching the power input, preventing both water waste and power waste while maintaining optimal hydrogen production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts water supply based on power input without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously coordinates between power supply conditions and water flow rate, enabling the system to self-optimize hydrogen production efficiency while absorbing surplus renewable energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If surplus power is not absorbed by the hydrogen production device, then system reliability is improved, but energy is wasted and CO2 emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurplus power utilizationVSAvoidCO2 emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts surplus renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted into useful hydrogen production. By utilizing excess power from renewable sources during periods of high generation, the system prevents energy waste and avoids the need for fossil fuel-based power generation, thereby reducing CO2 emissions while stabilizing the power system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system effectively absorbs surplus power, stabilizes the electric power system, and reduces CO2 emissions by using renewable energy to produce hydrogen efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

produce hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11802344B2System and method for hydrogen production using a control unit controlling an adjustment device

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A hydrogen production system includes: a hydrogen production device connected to an electric power system or connected to a power generation device using renewable energy and configured to produce hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water; an output control unit capable of controlling an amount of power supplied from the electric power system to the hydrogen production device according to request from the electric power system; a first pure water line for supplying pure water to the hydrogen production device; a first adjustment device capable of adjusting an amount of pure water supplied to the hydrogen production device via the first pure water line; and a first control unit configured to control the first adjustment device, based on a power amount signal indicating information on an amount of power supplied from the electric power system to the hydrogen production device.