[ fuel cells ] of Proton Exchange Membrane ( PEM ) fuel cells to support the development of a hydrogen fuel cell microgrid . The system plays a crucial role in managing power distribution and ensuring the hydrogen production process remains efficient and reliable .
We are also testing this approach at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in Northamptonshire , England . At that facility , we are using an IE- GRID infrastructure in combination with an electrolyser and renewables to achieve optimal energy capacity , reduce downtime , and minimise maintenance requirements .
The system ’ s dynamic power management capability ensures electrolysers operate closer to their optimal capacity , enhancing overall efficiency .
Achieving efficiency and curtailment reduction
Although the overall efficiency of the process to take green electricity , pass it through an electrolyser , create green hydrogen , and then generate electricity using a fuel cell , is relatively low , it is an approach that can significantly mitigate the need to curtail energy production , which is both expensive and wasteful .
Hydrogen fuel cells in general offer the scalability and flexibility of renewable energy that has traditionally been associated with fossil fuels . Like fossil fuels , hydrogen energy can be stored for future use , deployed instantly to meet rising demand , or switched on and off as needed to handle unexpected events .
But here ’ s the rub . Unlike fossil fuels , fuel cell technology is clean , efficient and most importantly , carbon neutral . By storing surplus energy as hydrogen and converting it back into electricity on demand , this method not only enhances grid stability but also maximises the use of renewable power , turning what would otherwise be wasted energy into a valuable resource .
Harnessing the power of PEM fuel cells is also advantageous because they are low-temperature stacks that typically operate below 100 ° C . This allows them to be manufactured using more affordable and readily available materials , which helps to lower costs and minimise waste in the production of clean energy .
The future of power management
The role of advanced power management systems like IE-GRID will become increasingly important as the hydrogen industry continues to evolve at pace . One promising new trend is the integration of AI-driven predictive analytics into power management systems . Leveraging AI allows these systems to predict fluctuations in energy supply and demand , allowing for even more precise control and optimisation of power distribution .
The continued advancement of energy storage technologies will be another key trend . As the cost of energy storage solutions , such as batteries and supercapacitors , continues to decrease , their integration with power management systems will become more common .
When renewable sources are abundant , these storage solutions provide a buffer for excess energy to be stored and released whenever energy availability is low . This integration enhances the stability and reliability of the hydrogen production process , ensuring consistent operation even in the face of fluctuating energy inputs .
Advanced power management systems like IE-GRID are transforming how green hydrogen is produced , stored and used . By providing efficient , on-demand power from renewable sources , they help stabilise the grid , reduce curtailment , and improve the economic viability of using green hydrogen to balance grid demand , supply , and stability .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 18 | October 2024 43