Off-grid electrolyser plant optimisation

Solar and wind energy are the cheapest, easily accessible, and scalable electricity production methods, but their intermittency and restricted number of full loud hours diminish their usability. Nevertheless, the production of hydrogen as a raw material for chemical processes will be electrified using these renewable energy sources. At the same time, green hydrogen production will offer a way to store large-scale variable energy production and balance the supply and demand.

The transmission of electricity over long distances from the production site to consumption may be costly, making on-site conversion of energy into a chemical form potentially the most cost-effective option. Such off-grid production also ensures compliance with the green origin requirement for chemicals. However, in off-grid production based on variable energy sources, the principle of continuous and maximal production needs to be abandoned, highlighting the significance of various energy storage solutions and the dynamic capability of systems. Additionally, a good location ensures the most stable possible energy supply.

The project aims to minimize the production cost of green hydrogen through three objectives:

• System design:
  • Optimal configuration of the system, selection of the best technologies.
  • Sizing of components and optimal control of the system.
  • Investigating the dynamic operational limits of water electrolysis.
• Technological development:
  • Exploring the possibilities for hydrogen production and storage.
  • Improvement of electrolysis dynamics.
  • Determination of the optimal pressure for electrolysis.
• International pilot project simulation:
  • Identification of the most profitable location for off-grid hydrogen production.
  • Prediction of the near future development in the field.
  • Investigation of the impact of more flexible production compared to continuous production.