Modelling and evaluation of PEM hydrogen technologies for frequency ancillary services in future multi-energy sustainable power systems

Abstract

This paper examines the prospect of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers and fuel cells to partake in European electrical ancillary services markets. First, the current framework of ancillary services is reviewed and discussed, emphasizing the ongoing European harmonization plans for future frequency balancing markets. Next, the technical characteristics of PEM hydrogen technologies and their potential uses within the electrical power system are discussed to evaluate their adequacy to the requirements of ancillary services markets. Last, a case study based on a realistic representation of the transmission grid in the north of the Netherlands for the year 2030 is presented. The main goal of this case study is to ascertain the effectiveness of PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells for the provision of primary frequency reserves. Dynamic generic models suitable for grid simulations are developed for both technologies, including the required controllers to enable participation in ancillary services markets. The obtained results show that PEM hydrogen technologies can improve the frequency response when compared to the procurement with synchronous generators of the same reserve value. Moreover, the fast dynamics of PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells can help mitigate the negative effects attributed to the reduction of inertia in the system.

Steady-State Modeling of Fuel Cells Based on Atom Search Optimizer

“…Unlike conventional power sources, renewable energy sources as clean energy have received much attention worldwide due to many key reasons, such as the depletion of fossil fuels, price inflations, and other environmental issues. One of the fastest growing and promising renewable energy storage apparatuses is the fuel cell, which can convert fuel chemical energy into electric energy via chemical reactions [1][2][3][4]. Today, many assortments of fuel cells are commercialized, such as the polymer exchange membrane (PEM) type for low-operating temperatures [3], and solid-oxide fuel cells for high-operating temperatures [4,5].…”

Performance assessment and economic perspectives of integrated PEM fuel cell and PEM electrolyzer for electric power generation

“…The economic evaluation of an energy system is the most suitable tool to evaluate feasibility from a techno-economic perspective [ 20 ]. Renewable energy systems are designed to be competitive with electricity market prices while maintaining robust operation at minimal emissions [ 21 , 22 ]. PEMFC and PEM electrolyzer have been evaluated via economic analysis focusing on the relation of performance efficiency and overall cost.…”

“…Nowadays, renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines integrate hydrogen-powered devices to promote energy recovery [ 22 ]. The parametric study and modeling of integrated energy systems are becoming the central motivation for both researchers and industry that lead the energy transition commitment.…”

Modelling of large‐sized electrolysers for real‐time simulation and study of the possibility of frequency support by electrolysers

“…power system considering high integration of wind parks. An initial generic electrical model of a PEM electrolyser and fuel cell to study the provision of ancillary services via these technologies was presented in [7]. Nevertheless, the development of a generic model of large-scale (>1 MW) electrolysers, the design of appropriate controllers for ancillary services provision and the study on the impact on the frequency stability of interconnected power systems has not been described in literature yet.…”

“…The use of alkaline electrolysers to enhance frequency stability of power system has been investigated in [6], where an electrical power system combined of steam turbine generation units, electrolysers, conventional loads and wind farms has been implemented in MATLAB/Simulink to study the effect of alkaline electrolysers on frequency stability of power system considering high integration of wind parks. An initial generic electrical model of a PEM electrolyser and fuel cell to study the provision of ancillary services via these technologies was presented in [7]. Nevertheless, the development of a generic model of large-scale (>1 MW) electrolysers, the design of appropriate controllers for ancillary services provision and the study on the impact on the frequency stability of interconnected power systems has not been described in the literature yet.…”