Optimization and Simulation on Hydrogen Production System Using Water Electrolysis Powered by Renewable Energy

doi:10.11930/j.issn.1004-9649.202306045

Abstract

Abstract:

Hydrogen produced from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy can help de-carbonize certain hard-to-abate sectors and promote synergy between different sectors and energy networks. As a matter of fact, the optimization of system configuration and operation scheme is vital to reduce the cost of hydrogen production and boost its economy competitiveness. In this paper, a planning optimization and production simulation model of water electrolysis system powered by renewable energy is proposed. The effects of critical components and related key factors, such as the wind power/photovoltaic-electrolyzer ratio, the electrochemical energy storage-electrolyzer ratio and electricity prices, on the levelized cost of hydrogen is analyzed in depth based on the typical configuration of hydrogen production system. Furthermore, two case studies representing typical areas in northwestern and southeastern China are carried out. The results show that the expense of electricity consumption is the major contributor affecting the economy of green hydrogen, which will drive these projects to be relocated to those places with plentiful renewable resources where the levelized cost of hydrogen is dropped to nearly 20 RMB/kg. In the future, the operation of green hydrogen projects will transit from in-grid mode to off-grid mode as system reserve backup if the electricity prices are roughly the same as that now. The research conclusions could provide theoretical guidance and important reference for the planning and construction of green hydrogen projects.

Key words: green hydrogen, water electrolysis, plan and optimization, levelized cost, electrolyser, energy storage

Siyu ZHANG, Ning ZHANG, Hongcai DAI, Changyou FENG, Zhuan ZHOU, Keping ZHU. Optimization and Simulation on Hydrogen Production System Using Water Electrolysis Powered by Renewable Energy[J]. Electric Power, 2024, 57(4): 52-60.

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URL: https://www.electricpower.com.cn/EN/10.11930/j.issn.1004-9649.202306045

https://www.electricpower.com.cn/EN/Y2024/V57/I4/52

Figures/Tables 10

Table 1 Values for key parameters

参数	当前	2030年
电解槽的设备投资成本X₁/(元∙kW^–1)	1500	1000
电解槽的设备运维成本O₁/(元∙(kW∙年)^–1)	70.5	47
光伏电站的设备投资成本X₂/(元∙kW^–1)	3420	2050
光伏电站的设备运维成本O₂/(元∙(kW∙年)^–1)	34.2	20.5
风电站的设备投资成本X₃/(元∙kW^–1)	5140	3341
风电站的设备运维成本O₃/(元∙(kW∙年)^–1)	143.9	93.5
电化学储能的设备投资成本X₄/(元∙(kW∙h)^–1)	2500	1500
电化学储能的设备运维成本O₄/(元∙(kW∙年)^–1)	62.5	37.5
电解槽的效率 F_L	0.7
电化学储能机组的效率 F_S	0.9
电化学储能充电时间 h_S/h	4
折现率 r/%	8

Fig.1 The variation of LCOH with PV-to-electrolyser ratio

Fig.2 The variation of LCOH with storage-to-electrolyser ratio

Fig.3 The variation of LCOH with electricity price

Fig.4 The per-unit output for wind and PV power stations in northwestern area in China

Fig.5 The production simulation results in a typical week for a green hydrogen project in northwestern China

Fig.6 The production simulation results in a typical week for a green hydrogen project in northwestern China in 2030

Fig.7 The per-unit output for wind and PV power stations in southeastern in China

Fig.8 The production simulation results in a typical week for a green hydrogen project in southeastern in China

Fig.9 The production simulation results in a typical week for a green hydrogen project in southeastern China in 2030

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