Hydrogen Retention Control for Disaster-Ready Microgrid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microgrids relying on renewable energy, managing hydrogen retention is crucial to ensure surplus electric power during disasters, as power generation varies significantly with seasons and topography, and existing systems fail to adequately prepare for such events.
Innovation Solution
A retention amount management system and method that adjust hydrogen production and retention based on historical disaster data, setting periods like emergency, preparation, stable, and ordinary periods, to optimize hydrogen storage in hydrogen retention facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen production is increased during stable periods to maximize retention, then hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by producing and storing hydrogen in advance during stable periods when renewable energy is abundant. The management apparatus calculates target retention amounts based on forecasted unstable periods and disaster risks, then produces hydrogen beforehand to ensure power supply security when needed, rather than producing hydrogen reactively when demand arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by dividing time into stable periods (for hydrogen production and storage) and unstable periods (for hydrogen consumption). The management apparatus periodically adjusts hydrogen production based on period classification, producing hydrogen during stable periods and consuming it during unstable periods, creating a rhythmic production-consumption cycle that optimizes both storage capacity and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If hydrogen production is adjusted based on detailed period classification, then power supply reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the time period into distinct categories (stable periods and unstable periods) based on renewable energy generation characteristics and disaster risk levels. The management apparatus classifies each period and applies different hydrogen production strategies accordingly, making the complex problem of reliability management more tractable through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the management apparatus continuously monitors renewable energy generation amounts, compares them against thresholds, and adjusts hydrogen production targets based on the classified period type. This feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to changing conditions while maintaining automated control, balancing reliability improvement with manageable system complexity.
3Reliability
If target retention amount is set high for emergency periods, then disaster preparedness is improved, but hydrogen production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by setting hydrogen production targets that are excessive during stable periods (when energy is abundant and cheap) but partial during unstable periods (when energy is scarce and expensive). The management apparatus calculates target retention amounts that exceed minimum requirements during stable periods to build reserves, then maintains these reserves during unstable periods without additional production, optimizing the balance between disaster preparedness and production cost.
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
Effectively manages hydrogen retention to ensure sufficient power supply during disasters by maximizing storage during stable periods and minimizing production during ordinary periods, reducing energy consumption and preparing for emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell that can generate electric power by using hydrogen retained in the retention facility
Implementation Method 2
a production facility that produces hydrogen to be retained in the retention facility by using electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A retention amount management system includes a detector that detects an amount of retention and a server that adjusts an amount of production of hydrogen in a production facility such that the amount of retention of hydrogen retained in the retention facility for a predetermined period attains to a target amount of retention. The server sets the target amount of retention such that a first amount of hydrogen α corresponding to an amount of surplus electric power during a stable period during which electric power generated per prescribed period by using renewable energy is higher than a threshold value is larger than a second amount of hydrogen β corresponding to the amount of surplus electric power during an ordinary period.