Bi-Level Planning of Grid-Forming Energy Storage–Hydrogen Storage System Considering Inertia Response and Frequency Parameter Optimization

Dongqi Huang (), Pengwei Sun, Wenfeng Yao, Chang Liu, Hefeng Zhai and Yehao Gao
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Dongqi Huang: CSG Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
Pengwei Sun: CSG Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
Wenfeng Yao: CSG Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
Chang Liu: College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Hefeng Zhai: CSG Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
Yehao Gao: CSG Electric Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-26

Abstract: Energy storage plays an essential role in stabilizing fluctuations in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, enabling surplus electricity retention, and delivering dynamic frequency regulation. However, relying solely on a single form of storage often proves insufficient due to constraints in performance, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. To tackle frequency regulation challenges in remote desert-based renewable energy hubs—where traditional power infrastructure is unavailable—this study introduces a planning framework for an electro-hydrogen energy storage system with grid-forming capabilities, designed to supply both inertia and frequency response. At the system design stage, a direct current (DC) transmission network is modeled, integrating battery and hydrogen storage technologies. Using this configuration, the capacity settings for both grid-forming batteries and hydrogen units are optimized. This study then explores how hydrogen systems—comprising electrolyzers, storage tanks, and fuel cells—and grid-forming batteries contribute to inertial support. Virtual inertia models are established for each technology, enabling precise estimation of the total synthetic inertia provided. At the operational level, this study addresses stability concerns stemming from renewable generation variability by introducing three security indices. A joint optimization is performed for virtual inertia constants, which define the virtual inertia provided by energy storage systems to assist in frequency regulation, and primary frequency response parameters within the proposed storage scheme are optimized in this model. This enhances the frequency modulation potential of both systems and confirms the robustness of the proposed approach. Lastly, a real-world case study involving a 13 GW renewable energy base in Northwest China, connected via a ±10 GW HVDC export corridor, demonstrates the practical effectiveness of the optimization strategy and system configuration.

Keywords: new energy base; hydrogen energy storage system; grid-forming battery energy storage; frequency security; virtual synchronous inertia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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