H2 Production Based on Renewable Distributed Generation andAssisted by a Weak Grid. Topology, Operation and System Control

Abstract

Renewable Distributed Generation (RDG), as a production of electrical power near to the load, is particularly beneficial when the grid is “weak” compared to specific demands, as in the case of hydrogen production systems connected to rural electrification networks. In this situation, the wind resource may be suitable for this type of generation.
This paper proposes the topology, operation strategy and control for a hydrogen production station, “assisted” by a weak AC network and “fed” by a variable speed wind turbine based on a three-phase induction machine with double stator.
The wind energy conversion is optimized by proper control of the generator, the electrolyser current is regulated to take maximum advantage of the generated power, the rapid fluctuations in power, due to turbulences, are compensated by a controlled energy storage system with flywheel.System configuration, mode of operation and control, and validation by simulation are presented