Varying Load Distribution Impacts on the Operation of a Hydrogen Generator Plant

This study advances several methods to evaluate the operation of a hydrogen generator plant. The model developed helps customize plants that contain multiple generators of varying powers using a decision module, which determines the most efficient plant load distribution. Evaluation indices to assess individual devices within the plant are proposed and system flexibility maximizes the amount of renewable energy stored. Three case studies examined the variable load distribution of an electrolysis system connected to a 40 MW wind farm for energy storage purposes and incorporated a “night-valley” operational strategy. These methods facilitate the selection of the proper plant configuration and provide estimates for individual device effectiveness within the system.