Hybrid Solar Grid Power Control for Electrolyzer Utilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Directly connecting solar electricity from photovoltaic arrays to power an electrolyzer for renewable hydrogen generation is not economically viable due to the intermittent nature of solar power, resulting in the electrolyzer being idle for most of the time and increasing its size and cost, as it can only produce hydrogen during daylight hours when solar power is available.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that operatively connects a PV array and an electrolyzer to a utility power grid, allowing electricity from the PV array to be selectively delivered to the grid and the electrolyzer, enabling 24-hour operation by combining solar power with grid power to maintain optimal operating current and reduce hydrogen production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar power alone is used to power the electrolyzer, then hydrogen production is renewable and environmentally beneficial, but the electrolyzer is idle for 18 hours per day and the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar power and grid power into a hybrid system that powers the electrolyzer continuously. The power management controller integrates multiple power sources (solar panels and grid electricity) to maintain electrolyzer operation 24/7, resolving the contradiction between renewable energy production and electrolyzer utilization by merging renewable and conventional power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyzer system is designed to accept multiple power sources (solar and grid) and operate under different conditions. The power management controller provides multi-functionality by selecting and managing different power sources based on availability and cost, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while prioritizing renewable energy when available.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electrolyzer is sized for 24-hour operation with solar power only, then continuous hydrogen production is achieved, but the electrolyzer size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar power with grid power to achieve continuous electrolyzer operation without requiring an oversized electrolyzer. By combining multiple power sources, the system maintains appropriate-sized equipment while achieving 24/7 operation, avoiding the cost penalty of oversizing the electrolyzer for solar-only continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management controller performs preliminary action by predicting power availability and managing power sources in advance. It schedules electrolyzer operation and power source selection to ensure continuous operation at appropriate capacity, preventing the need for oversized equipment while maintaining continuous production.
3Productivity
If grid power is used to operate the electrolyzer 24 hours, then continuous hydrogen production is achieved, but the renewable energy benefit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power management controller uses feedback from power source availability, cost signals, and electrolyzer operation status to dynamically manage power distribution. It continuously monitors solar power availability and grid conditions, adjusting the mix of power sources to maximize renewable energy contribution while maintaining continuous productivity through grid supplementation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the proportion of solar versus grid power used based on real-time conditions. The power management controller continuously optimizes the power mix, using solar power when available and switching to or supplementing with grid power when solar is insufficient, achieving both continuous operation and maximized renewable energy contribution through dynamic adaptation.
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
This solution allows for continuous operation of the electrolyzer, reducing hydrogen production costs by optimizing the use of solar and grid electricity, making solar-powered electrolytic hydrogen production economically viable and ensuring the hydrogen produced is renewable.
Implementation Method 1
PV array and an electrolyzer operatively connected together and each operatively connected to a utility power grid so that electricity produced by the PV array is selectively delivered to the utility power grid and the electrolyzer
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogen generation devices use electricity to produce hydrogen (and oxygen) by electrolysis of water in an electrolyzer
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention includes a PV array and an electrolyzer operatively connected together and each operatively connected to a utility power grid so that electricity produced by the PV array is selectively delivered to the utility power grid and the electrolyzer. The resulting process increases the efficiency of the solar-hydrogen production process, and results in lower-cost renewable hydrogen.