Renewable Power and Hydrogen Co-Optimization Under Grid Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy generators (REGs) face challenges in efficiently utilizing power due to fluctuating output matching demand, transmission line congestion, and underutilization caused by limited inverter power ratings, leading to grid instability and financial losses.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a computer-readable storage medium with executable instructions and processors to manage REG output power through an optimizer that determines optimal decision variables for electricity and hydrogen market offers, energy storage, and hydrogen production, optimizing power dispatch to the grid and hydrogen distribution systems based on predicted market prices and demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If REG power is stored when demand is lower for later dispatch, then power utilization efficiency is improved, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrogen production plant as an intermediary energy storage medium. Excess REG power is converted to hydrogen through electrolysis, which serves as a chemical energy storage buffer. This mediator enables long-term storage beyond the limitations of conventional electrical storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms electrical energy into chemical energy by changing the physical state and energy form. Power is converted from electrical parameters (voltage, current) to chemical parameters (hydrogen concentration, storage volume), enabling different storage capacities and discharge rates.
2Reliability
If REG generation is curtailed to avoid transmission line congestion and grid instability, then grid stability is improved, but REG resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen production plant acts as a local buffer between REG generation and the transmission grid. By converting excess power to hydrogen on-site, the system avoids injecting unstable power fluctuations into the transmission network, eliminating the need for curtailment while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The REG system serves its own storage and stabilization needs through the integrated hydrogen plant, rather than relying on external grid infrastructure or curtailment measures. The system self-regulates by converting surplus power to hydrogen when transmission capacity is limited.
3Ease of manufacture
If inverter power rating is reduced to meet financial feasibility or interconnect limits, then project cost or grid compliance is improved, but REG generation capacity utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen production plant serves as an intermediary that absorbs the mismatch between DC generation capacity and AC inverter rating. Excess DC power that cannot be converted to AC is redirected to hydrogen production, allowing the inverter to be sized to financial constraints without leaving REG capacity unused.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by allowing the inverter to operate at reduced capacity while the hydrogen plant operates at increased capacity during periods of excess generation. This parameter redistribution maintains overall system efficiency despite the inverter size limitation.
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
Enhances the efficient utilization of renewable energy by optimizing power dispatch and hydrogen production, reducing waste and underutilization, and stabilizing the grid by aligning REG output with market demands and hydrogen distribution needs.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen production plant (HPP) for producing hydrogen, and wherein the HPP is powered at least by the REG
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided involving executing an optimizer using output power information of a renewable energy generator (REG) and market information, and executing an energy management system to manage the utilization of power generated by the REG based on the optimization. The REG is associated with a hydrogen production plant (HPP) for producing hydrogen, and the HPP is powered at least by the REG. The management of the power generated by the REG includes generating an electricity market offer to an electrical grid and a hydrogen market offer to an hydrogen distribution system. The system then dispatches REG power to the electrical grid and hydrogen to the hydrogen distribution system based on the generated market offers. REG output power typically fluctuates over time, as do other potentially relevant factors, such as consumer electricity demand, electricity transmission capacity, electricity market prices, hydrogen market prices, etc. The system can provide optimized control over the REG and HPP as conditions change over time.