Combination of Site-Wide and Real-Time Optimization for the Control of Systems of Electrolyzers

Vincent Henkel (), Lukas Peter Wagner, Felix Gehlhoff and Alexander Fay
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Vincent Henkel: Institute of Automation Technology, Helmut-Schmidt-University, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
Lukas Peter Wagner: Institute of Automation Technology, Helmut-Schmidt-University, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
Felix Gehlhoff: Institute of Automation Technology, Helmut-Schmidt-University, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
Alexander Fay: Chair of Automation, Ruhr University, 44801 Bochum, Germany

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: The integration of renewable energy sources into an energy grid introduces volatility, challenging grid stability and reliability. To address these challenges, this work proposes a two-stage optimization approach for the operation of electrolyzers used in green hydrogen production. This method combines site-wide and real-time optimization to manage a fluctuating energy supply effectively. By leveraging the dual use of an existing optimization model, it is applied for both site-wide and real-time optimization, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of the control strategy. Site-wide optimization generates long-term operational plans based on long-term forecasts, while real-time optimization adjusts these plans in response to immediate fluctuations in energy availability. This approach is validated through a case study showing that real-time optimization can accommodate renewable energy forecast deviations of up to 15%, resulting in hydrogen production 6.5% higher than initially planned during periods of increased energy availability. This framework not only optimizes electrolyzer operations but can also be applied to other flexible energy resources, supporting sustainable and economically viable energy management.

Keywords: energy flexibility; uncertainty handling; two-stage optimization; electrolyzer; green hydrogen (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: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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