Hydrogen Network System for Renewable Microgrid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economic viability of microgrids powered by renewable energy is limited due to the intermittent availability of renewable sources and the high cost of electricity storage, which restricts their operational efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen network system that utilizes an electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from renewable energy, which is then stored and distributed through high-pressure lines to utility units for efficient energy use, including heat and power generation, overcoming storage challenges and enhancing energy availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electricity storage is used in renewable energy microgrids, then energy availability during non-renewable periods is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage medium from electricity to hydrogen, fundamentally altering the storage parameter. Hydrogen is produced via electrolysis during renewable energy availability and stored in tanks, then converted back to electricity through fuel cells when needed. This parameter change achieves reliable energy availability while avoiding the high costs associated with direct electricity storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary substance between renewable energy sources and end-use applications. Instead of directly storing electricity, the system converts electrical energy to hydrogen chemical energy for storage, then converts it back when needed. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing reliable energy availability through a cost-effective storage mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If high-pressure hydrogen storage is implemented, then storage density and energy availability are improved, but safety risks and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydrogen storage system into multiple distributed storage units located at different points in the network (electrolyzer outlets, utilization unit inlets). This segmentation reduces the quantity of hydrogen stored at any single location, thereby mitigating safety risks while maintaining overall high storage density through the network. Each segment operates independently with its own pressure regulation and safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas pressure regulators as intermediary devices between high-pressure storage and utilization units. These regulators step down pressure in controlled manner, reducing safety risks associated with high-pressure hydrogen while maintaining efficient energy density. The intermediary pressure regulation system allows the benefits of high-pressure storage without the full safety burden.
3Reliability
If hydrogen is produced and stored locally in microgrids, then energy independence and reliability are improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hydrogen network system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage, peak load management, and backup power supply. The same electrolyzer-hydrogen storage-fuel cell infrastructure provides energy independence during non-renewable periods, handles peak demand periods, and serves as emergency backup. This multi-functionality achieves energy independence without proportionally increasing infrastructure cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hydrogen production, storage, and utilization functions into an integrated network system where components serve dual purposes. The high-pressure hydrogen lines both store energy and distribute it to multiple utilization units. The gas pressure regulators serve both pressure management and flow distribution functions. This merging reduces overall infrastructure complexity compared to separate systems for each function.
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 hydrogen network system enables cost-effective hydrogen storage and efficient energy utilization, particularly during periods when renewable energy is not available, ensuring a stable energy supply and improving the economic viability of microgrids.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer which has an energy connection for at least one renewable energy source and which is designed to produce hydrogen from the electrical energy of the at least one renewable energy source
Implementation Method 2
the at least one utilization unit is connected to the high-pressure line by means of a low-pressure line and a gas pressure regulator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrogen network system (1) for producing hydrogen from electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source (3) and for the energetic use of the hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen network system (1) comprises: - an electrolyzer (4) which has an energy connection (2) for the at least one renewable energy source (3) and which is designed for producing hydrogen from the electrical energy of the at least one renewable energy source (3), - at least one high-pressure line (6) which is connected to the electrolyzer (4) and is designed for distributing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer (4), and - at least one utilization unit (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) which is designed for the energetic use of the produced hydrogen, wherein the at least utilization unit (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is connected to the high-pressure line (6) by means of a low-pressure line (7) and a gas pressure regulator (8).