Modular Hydrogen Power Supply for Renewable Demand Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization of generation and demand of renewable energies, particularly in relation to storage, transport, and distribution, is inefficient, necessitating a more effective power supply system that can adapt to varying demands and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply system comprising a hydrogen generation unit, hydrogen usage unit, and control/regulation unit, allowing for flexible integration and control of hydrogen production and usage, utilizing various methods and components to optimize energy storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional power supply system is used for renewable energy storage and distribution, then the system structure is simple, but the synchronization of generation and demand is inefficient and the system cannot adapt to varying demands
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into modular units including hydrogen generation units (electrolyzers), hydrogen storage units, and hydrogen usage units (fuel cells). Each module can be independently configured and scaled to match specific energy storage and distribution requirements, improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces and controlled interconnections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply system is designed to be modular and adaptable to varying demands, then the adaptability and efficiency improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular power supply system employs universal interface standards and control protocols that allow the same basic modules (electrolyzers, storage tanks, fuel cells) to be configured for different energy demands and applications. The control unit provides multi-functional regulation that can adapt to varying load conditions, renewable energy availability, and storage requirements, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If hydrogen generation and storage components are integrated into the power supply system, then energy storage efficiency improves, but the system requires more components and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges hydrogen generation (electrolysis), storage (pressurized tanks), and utilization (fuel cells) into an integrated power supply architecture. This combination enables efficient round-trip energy storage by capturing excess renewable energy as hydrogen and converting it back to electricity when needed. The merging of these functions into a coordinated system achieves high energy storage efficiency while the modular design keeps component complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and centralized control.
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 enables efficient, adaptable, and scalable energy management, supporting self-sufficient operation and emergency power, while optimizing the use of renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogen generation unit preferably has an electrolysis device that uses electricity, preferably from a renewable energy source, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Implementation Method 2
An alternative or additional component of the hydrogen generation unit can be a plasmalysis device, which uses electricity, preferably from a renewable energy source, to generate a plasma that generates hydrogen from water
Implementation Method 3
The hydrogen usage unit can be an energy generation device for generating thermal and/or electrical energy. Preferably, the energy generation device comprises at least one fuel cell.
Implementation Method 4
For this purpose, a pyrolysis device can be provided as an alternative variant of the hydrogen generation unit. Solid carbon can be obtained as a further product in the process. The required process heat is preferably generated from renewable energies.
Implementation Method 5
Another alternative or additional component of the hydrogen generation unit can be a reforming device, with which hydrogen is generated using heat from a fossil energy source, in particular methane, and with the addition of water.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a power supply system comprising a modular combination of a hydrogen generation unit, a hydrogen usage unit and a control or regulation unit for controlling or regulating the operation of the hydrogen generation unit and the hydrogen usage unit.