Search

Transitioning to a sustainable energy future necessitates innovative storage solutions for renewable energies, where hydrogen (H₂) emerges as a pivotal energy carrier for its low emission potential. This paper explores unlined rock caverns (URCs) as a promising alternative for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), overcoming the geographical and technical limitations of UHS methods like salt rock caverns and porous media. Drawing from the experiences of natural gas (NG) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) in URCs, we explore the viability of URCs for storing hydrogen at gigawatt-hour scales (>100 GWh). Despite challenges such as potential uplift failures (at a depth of approximately less than 1000 m) and hydrogen reactivity with storage materials at typical conditions (below temperatures of 100°C and pressures of 15 MPa), URCs present a flexible, scalable option closely allied with green hydrogen production from renewable sources. Our comprehensive review identifies critical design considerations, including hydraulic containment and the integrity of fracture sealing materials under UHS conditions. Addressing identified knowledge gaps, particularly around the design of hydraulic containment systems and the interaction of hydrogen with cavern materials, will be crucial for advancing URC technology. The paper underscores the need for further experimental and numerical studies to refine URC suitability for hydrogen storage, highlighting the role of URCs in enhancing the compatibility of renewable energy sources with the grid. • Detailed exploration of unlined rock cavern (URC) technology. • Analysis of URCs' potential for large-scale hydrogen storage. • Insights from historical use of URCs in compressed gas storage. • Examination of the opportunities and challenges in using URCs for hydrogen storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the development of a device for protecting facilities with turn-to-turn insulation, namely transformers and wind generators in order to increase the reliability of operation of electrical power systems, renewable energy installations and energy storage systems. The paper presents the results of experimental studies of the parameters of a prototype frequency-dependent device, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of suppression of high-frequency surge voltages by the proposed device. The results of four groups of measurements are shown, which were compared with each other and with the results of previously showed computer simulations. The high efficiency of the proposed device when influencing the slope and amplitude of short high-frequency transients is shown. It is indicated that the parameters proposed earlier in the simulation allow the device to be used effectively. A brief analysis of alternative methods and means of protection is provided, and the prospects for using the device as protective equipment for wind power plants are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy hubs (EHs) represent a pivotal paradigm in achieving optimal resource utilization across various energy domains. This paper presents an advanced framework for the optimal management of a smart island, leveraging the synergies within the water-electricity nexus. By integrating diverse resources, including electricity, water, heat, and hydrogen, the proposed EH model aims to meet the multifaceted demands of consumers on the island. To enhance operational efficiency, this study delves into the nuanced impacts of key EH components, elucidating their roles in meeting demand profiles and minimizing operational costs. Formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model, the EH optimization problem is addressed using the GAMS optimization tool. The overarching objective is to fulfill consumer demand while concurrently optimizing resource utilization, considering factors such as storage degradation costs and emissions from fossil-fuel-based units. In addition to strategic optimization, this study pioneers a novel approach to stochastic parameter forecasting, integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and long-short-term memory networks (LSTMs). By harnessing the capabilities of these advanced forecasting techniques, the EH model can anticipate dynamic changes in demand patterns with heightened accuracy and precision. The empirical results underscore the transformative potential of the proposed EH framework, showcasing significant reductions—up to 30%—in emission costs. Moreover, the study underscores the pivotal role of EHs as enablers for scaling up renewable energy penetration, offering a robust foundation for sustainable energy transitions in island communities and beyond. Additionally, implementing a load-shifting demand response program can lower total costs by approximately $257 per day, offering significant savings for EHs over extended periods. [Display omitted] • Modeling a mixed integer linear programming for energy management of an energy hub. • Comprehensive study on hydrogen and electric storage systems. • Uncertainty modeling using convolutional and long short-term memory networks. • Modeling water–electricity nexus to meet water and electricity demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shared energy storage system is recognized as a promising business model for the coordinated operation of integrated energy systems (IES) to improve the utilization of energy storage and the consumption of renewable energy. As the hydrogen energy gradually receives more attention, this paper constructs the structure of a hybrid hydrogen energy storage system shared by an IES alliance in a dynamic pricing mode. A bi-level optimization model for the shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage system (SHHESS) is proposed to optimize the capacity configuration decisions and the pricing strategy jointly. The upper level determines the capacity and dynamic price of SHHESS with maximum profits and the lower level obtains the optimal operation of the IES alliance minimizing the total operation costs. The proposed model is solved by an improved PSO-GA algorithm and CPLEX solver. Finally, numerical tests are conducted in different scenarios. The results show that the hybrid energy storage system improves the daily profits of SHHESS by 70.3% and 5.44%, and reduces the renewable energy curtailment by 80.93% and 48.92% respectively compared to the battery-only and hydrogen-only systems. Additionally, the daily operation cost of the IES alliance is 35.2% lower than the individual operation scenario. The proposed model confirms the feasibility and superiority of the hybrid hydrogen energy storage system in a sharing business mode. • Design an interactive structure of a shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage system. • Propose a bi-level planning optimization framework for shared hybrid hydrogen energy storage. • The dynamic price of energy storage sharing service is optimized. • Determine the optimal operation strategy of the integrated energy system alliance. • Propose a hybrid method combining an improved PSO-GA and CPLEX optimizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a multi-objective framework for sustainable scheduling of hybrid hydrogen-power systems. In the proposed model, the microgrid system incorporated renewable energy systems, battery energy storage systems, non-renewable resources, power-to-hydrogen, hydrogen-to-power, demand response programs, and hydrogen storage systems to present a highly flexible structure in the energy systems. The purpose of the proposed model is to provide a complete operation mechanism for the daily scheduling of microgrids considering environmental, economic, and sustainable problems. To this end, a stochastic three-objective optimization model is proposed to consider the intermittent behavior of renewable generation, loads, and market prices and simultaneously tries to minimize the carbon emission, total cost, and peak loads. The peak load reduction is important because it increases the reliability, renewable energy integration, power quality, and reduced cost of reserve capacity. Therefore, a min-max approach is presented to reduce the peak load in the proposed model. Also, the hydrogen-to-power and power-to-hydrogen resources are integrated as flexible resources to increase the efficiency of microgrids during operation scheduling. The proposed model is evaluated on a standard case study and the numerical results show the multi-objective model reduces the carbon emission by 28.05 kg and increases the load factor by 6.26%, respectively. • Description of a multi-objective problem that integrates electricity and hydrogen. • Proposing an enviro-economic model to reduce carbon emission and operating cost. • The proposed model significantly uniforms the load profile by min-max approach. • Hydrogen storage tank and DR programs are considered to increase the flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern energy systems are large distributed systems and, as a rule, contain energy storage systems and, in particular, hydrogen batteries and hydrogen production systems. The use of hydrogen for energy transportation has recently been actively studied in a number of scientific projects. To ensure continuous operation of instrumentation and control equipment on long hydrogen pipelines (gas and cryogenic), it is important to ensure constant autonomous power supply to these systems. This can be solved using micromechanical energy microgeneration systems for the uninterrupted operation of various sensors, which are installed in large numbers on almost all elements of the structure and infrastructure. In addition, an important area of scientific research is the revision of the concepts and appearance of traditional devices of modern renewable energy: windmills, solar cells, turbines, etc. Fundamentally new energy devices are on the agenda, capable of recovering mechanical energy of any power and supplying it to the consumer in the form of a given specific energy flow. Collection of chaotically distributed natural energy of the environment (mechanical energy in the form of: vibrations, acoustic vibrations, wave energy, gusts of wind, tornadoes, precipitation, vibrations of the earth's crust, etc.), as well as collection of dissipated energy from artificial sources (iron and automobile highways, airstrips, spaceports, production facilities, etc.) with the help of mechanical microgenerators will allow the recovery and conversion of mechanical energy of various powers, including low power, into a universal energy carrier - hydrogen. Mechanical vibrations of artificial origin are of particular interest due to their widespread use for domestic and industrial purposes in a wide range of vibrations. The energy of mechanical vibrations can be collected and converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, triboelectric or electrostatic (capacitive) energy converters. Electrostatic microelectromechanical energy converters are considered the most promising among other energy converters, since their manufacturing processes are based on standard technology for the production of integrated circuits and microelectromechanical systems. Energy conversion by an electrostatic converter is carried out due to an external mechanical force that does work against the force of attraction of the charged electrodes of a variable capacitor. To transfer the received electrical energy to the load of the consuming device, the electrostatic converter is connected to the corresponding electrical circuits (conditioning circuits). Such a system as a whole is a kind of microgenerator or energy collector. Microenergy flow recovery systems integrated into large energy systems will ensure the collection and recovery of significant amounts of energy for remote energy consumers. At the same time, the concept of a distributed mechanical energy recovery system is quite simple: a mechanical energy receiver - a converter into electrical energy - a preliminary electrical storage device - an energy distributor - an electric energy accumulator - an electrolyser - a hydrogen accumulator - a fuel cell. To optimize the operation of the working circuit, including preliminary electrical systems for energy storage and conversion: capacitors and electric energy accumulators, electrolyzers; To ensure their durability and reliability, flexible automatic control of electrical power distribution is necessary. The real work was done to solve that problem. In addition, for extended and large power facilities it is important to ensure widespread sensory control of system parameters. At the same time, if all sensors receive power from an autonomous energy-generating device, then the costs of creating extended communications for instrumentation will be sharply reduced. In addition, the reliability of the control system will significantly increase. The results of studying operation features of a kinetic microgenerator with reduced output voltage are presented. The performance of a multi-stage modified Bennet doubler is compared to a system including a two-stage modified Bennet doubler and a diode-capacitor voltage divider. It is shown that with an increase of the number of stages in the modified Bennet doubler, the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy becomes less and less efficient. At the same time, for achieving the maximum energy accumulation rate (power), a two-stage power amplifier based on the Bennet doubler is preferable. It is established that when analyzing the operation of a diode-capacitor voltage divider, it is necessary to take into account the intrinsic (reverse) capacitances of the discharging diodes affecting the divider operation significantly. The divider behavior features while changing the load resistance and the intrinsic capacitances of the discharge diodes are found and analyzed. Analytical expressions linking the main characteristics of the microgenerator as a whole with the parameters of the electronic components used are derived. It is shown that for expanding the range of the "correct" division of the divider, it is necessary to use discharge diodes with minimal intrinsic capacitances, and also that connecting a load to the Bennet doubler as a voltage divider changes the permissible capacitance modulation depth of the variable capacitor. This paper examines the concepts of creating large energy-generating flows based on arrays of micromechanical energy converters placed on optimal energy-efficient receiving surfaces and analyzes the issues of cryogenic production, storage, consumption and transportation of hydrogen. Stationary and mobile cryogenic storage systems for hydrogen are considered. Much attention is paid to the safety of large cryogenic and gas hydrogen systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy production through electrolysis of water to obtain "green hydrogen" has gained interest as a clean energy storage option. However, integrating variable renewable energy resources into the grid poses challenges to maintaining energy balance and stability. In this paper, a hybrid energy storage system combining short-term battery energy storage system and long-term hydrogen-based energy storage system is proposed for an isolated DC microgrid with a structure similar to a hydrogen refueling station. Passivity-Based Control (IDA-PBC) is utilized for power converters regulation, ensuring global stability based on Lyapunov theory while accounting for the nonlinear characteristics of the physical system. The control strategy is designed to ensure a reliable supply of electrical energy to the loads, preserve the quality of electrical variables in the network, and secure the safe operation of system components. Additionally, to safeguard devices from overvoltage, a Sliding Mode Reference Conditioning loop (SMRC) is proposed. It intervenes only when there is a potential risk of exceeding predefined boundaries. Simulations results under demanding conditions demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating hydrogen energy storage systems with IDA-PBC and SMRC for this class of problems. • An isolated MG with H2 storage, typical structure of a refueling station, was modeled. • The IDA-PBC ensures the stability of the nonlinear and complex MG. • SMRC ensures overvoltage protection in the bus. • The control confirms that H2 storage integrated with RES contributes to MG stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy storage systems (HESS) play an essential role in Microgrid (MG) systems to address the inherent generation characteristics of renewable energy sources. Also, the integration of Demand Response (DR) into the Energy Management System (EMS) of a renewable-based Multi-Microgrid (MMG) can lead to substantial technical and economic benefits. This paper proposes a modified optimization algorithm for optimizing MMG Energy Management (EM). The proposed algorithm is a modified version of the Student Psychology-Based Optimization (SPBO) technique called Modified Student Psychology-Based Optimization (MSPBO). This modification aims to improve issues such as slow convergence, low solution accuracy, lack of diversity, and getting stuck in local optima. The proposed MSPBO method incorporates a local escape operator and a collaborative student class to achieve a better balance between exploiting known solutions and exploring new possibilities. The MSPBO algorithm is applied to address the EM challenge within a MMG context. Considering the integration of renewable sources as Wind turbines and solar photovoltaic and the HESS, the EM problem is formulated as a two-stage multi-objective optimization: minimizing the operating cost of conventional generators and power transactions cost in addition to the cost of HESS, while maximizing operator benefits and peak load reduction. This multi-objective problem is tackled using a hybrid ε-lexicography–weighted-sum approach that avoids the need for normalization. The performance of the proposed MSPBO is evaluated using CEC 2017 benchmark test functions, utilizing various statistical measures such as best, average, worst, rank, and standard deviation (SD) of fitness values, along with Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. The MSPBO technique is compared with other optimization algorithms for these test functions, highlighting its efficiency and adeptness in achieving a harmonious trade-off between exploiting known solutions and exploring new ones. Furthermore, the MSPBO method is applied to solve two case studies. In Case 1, which involves a single stage with conventional demand response optimization, the results achieved using MSPBO are benchmarked against other optimization techniques, revealing its superior efficacy in addressing the EM challenge. In Case 2, a more complex two-stage multi-objective problem is tackled using MSPBO, and the assessment of the integration of HESS in the MMG is evaluated. In the second stage, there is a notable enhancement in peak load reduction percentage (PRP), from 13.9% to 16.13% without the HESS and from 12.68% to 16.46% with the integration of HESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution feeder reconfiguration (DFR) in distribution systems can enhance operating conditions by reducing losses and improving voltage indices. This paper introduces a dual-stage risk-based framework that concurrently tackles day-ahead reconfiguration and microgrid scheduling within the distribution network. To control the negative aspects of uncertainties, the proposed framework integrates energy storage systems (ESS/HSS) and demand response programs (DRPs) at the network level, enhancing adaptability. The initial stage of the proposed model employs the AC power flow model, utilizing loss and voltage deviation functions as objective benchmarks for network reconfiguration. The scheduling is meticulously executed per interval, deriving optimized structures under diverse scenarios with the aid of a case reduction technique (CRT) to streamline solutions. The ultimate solution employs the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm and CPLEX solver in the first and second stages respectively. Outcomes from applying this approach to the adjusted 118-bus network manifest improved operational conditions and voltage quality through reconfiguration. Impressively, the integration of ESS/HSS and DRPs yields a substantial 22.34% reduction in total operating costs, a conclusion substantiated by the numerical findings. Furthermore, by leveraging the CRT, a remarkable 56.17% reduction in problem-solution time is achieved. [Display omitted] • Investigating the impact of losses and voltage deviations on network performance. • Introducing a two-stage risk-based framework to determine the optimal topology. • Finding solutions to the micro-grids planning problem with the distribution network reconfiguration. • Adopting a case reduction method to lessen time demand required for solving the day-ahead planning problem. • Investigating the effect of demand response programs on the voltage characteristics and losses of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, certain issues envisaged in the framework of development of design methodology for intelligent autonomous distributed hybrid power complexes (ADHPC) with green hydrogen and energy storage, functioning in grid mode and in the mode of interaction with the global (national) grid (GN) have been solved. Depending on their energy deficit or surplus, relative to the global grid, ADHPCs can operate as a load or as an energy source, respectively, as follows: based on the analysis of the energy balance management process in the ADHPC, a reasonable choice of the structure of the system of accumulation and distribution of power flows (SADCF) was made from the point of view of increasing the reliability of its functioning and ensuring the physical feasibility of the energy balance management process in this structure, i.e. keeping the actual power consumption of the consumers close to the required rated power at each given time t. This is achieved by including a condenser connected to the SADCF system on its assembly and distribution bus and a storage system BS with double-level ((BS1, BS2), double-circuit ((BS1(1), BS1(2)), (BS2(1), BS2(2))) structure, whereby: BS1of the level 1 - to manage the capacity balance in the SADCF under normal ADHPC regime and the variation of green hydrogen and consumption capacities within their confidence intervals assessed at the design stage; BS2 of the level 2 - to coordinate ADHPC and GN modes of operation and to control, together with BS1 of the level 1, GN, diesel generator (DG), the power balance in the SADCF when the ADHPC fails and when RES and consumption power are outside their confidence intervals; alternating charge/discharge operation of the parallel circuits will extend the life of the BS system; – a comprehensive definition of optimal ADHPC system situational energy balance management task is formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, renewable energy sources are integral to programs for the development of electric power systems. It is established that modern renewable generation units and energy storage systems utilize power electronic-based interfaces, such as voltage source converters, to convert power. On the one hand, the utilization of a voltage source converter provides certain advantages, such as the absence of a direct link to the network, the ability to operate on all quadrants of the PQ diagram, and the possibility of connecting renewable generation units to a weak network. On the other hand, the widespread use of renewable generation units utilizing voltage source converters reduces the overall inertia of the electric power system. However, excessive use of power electronic converters in the network leads to a significant increase in harmonic pollution, thereby introducing fresh challenges to ensuring safe and stable operation of the electric power system. To ensure the dependable operation of an electric power system with renewable energy sources units and energy storage systems based on the voltage source converter, it is essential to update the control system of the voltage source converter to meet the requirements for traditional generation as part of the electric power system. This paper presents the outcome of the power oscillation damping controller application implemented in the voltage source converter, which enhances the electric power system's stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is still largely dependent on oil and natural gas for its energy requirements which are harmful to the environment; therefore, it is high time that we look for alternative technologies for our growing energy needs. One such emerging area is fuel cell technology which produces clean energy in the form of electrical power. Integrating a Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage (MHHS) system with a fuel cell can help increase energy efficiency. The heat dissipated during hydrogen absorption in MHHS can be used in other applications. In this paper, energy and exergy analysis of a fuel cell-based integrated system is performed. The system presents a Reversible Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell capable of working in dual modes, i.e., as an Electrolyser as well as a fuel cell. The MHHS and Vapour Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS) are coupled with a reversible fuel cell for hydrogen storage and cooling applications, respectively. While working in the fuel cell mode, maximum efficiency of 47.84% is evaluated at 80 °C. The system efficiency with and without the VARS system at 80 °C was 73.29% and 47.84%, respectively. On the contrary, in the electrolyzer mode, the maximum efficiency comes out to be 85.65%. The use of the MHHS system for hydrogen storage results in excess heat release, and as a result, the overall efficiency of the electrolyzer was increased to 94.05%. • Thermodynamic integration of PEMFC with MHHS and VARS is performed. • Effect of key parameters on fuel cell system performance is investigated. • System energy and exergy efficiency of 73.3% and 59.5% respectively are reported. • The proposed system can achieve maximum electrolyzer efficiency of 85.65%. • Maximum cooling output from vapour absorption system is found to be 60.56 kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing self-sufficient renewable energy systems is becoming a key issue in the energy sector due to modern energy goals. Due to the variability of renewable energy sources, very often it is necessary to adopt hybrid configurations of renewable energy systems and advanced energy storage to achieve self-sufficiency. However, the adoption of complex and novel systems, including technologies as photovoltaic, wind turbines, biomass gasifiers, hydrogen energy storage, must to be founded on a comprehensive analysis of the system operation under different conditions and its energy and economic performance in the investigated case study. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is carry out a comprehensive feasibility analysis of a novel hybrid renewable energy system achieving a high self-sufficiency level. The system integrates a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels to match the energy load of a tourist resort in Agkistro, Greece. Energy exceeding the load is directed to the energy storage system based on the battery and hydrogen tank. As backup energy source, a wood gasifier is used. The investigation is performed by means of a numerical model developed in TRNSYS software allowing one to simulate dynamically the system and to assess its energy and economic performance. The goal achieved during the simulation of the system was to ensure at least 97% of energy demand from renewable sources. Moreover, a parametric analysis of the storage system is presented. It is found that payback period of the installation varies in the range between 11 and 15 years, for systems configurations allowing to satisfy 90–98% of the users energy yearly demand from renewables. The achieved results allows one to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed system from both an energy and economic point of view. • Island energy systems in Greece. • Hybrid energy system with both battery and hydrogen energy storage. • 97% reduction of energy produced from fossil fuels with 30% of energy curtailed. • Parametric study concerning sizes of the energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In renewable-based microgrids, intermittency caused by some energy sources highlights the important role of energy storage systems. Nowadays, hydrogen and thermal energy storage are expected to play key roles in grid-scale applications, for facilitating effective penetration of clean energy sources. This paper, through a multilevel control framework for the energy management of a renewable and reversible solid oxide based microgrid, develops medium level controls accounting for the dynamic behaviour of storage systems. The storage systems considered are a hydrogen storage tank and a thermal energy storage based on phase change material technology. In particular, the proposed algorithm is helpful in the microgrid design phase as well as for clearly assessing high-level energy management strategies, since dynamic and transient behaviours of tanks during both charging and discharging phases are validated. In this way, top-level energy management strategies can be further refined and optimized in addition to a techno-economic design being pursued, primarily through shrinking the initial sizes of storages and thereby achieving significantly lower initial capital costs. For the analyzed microgrid, its feasibility is demonstrated by reducing by as much as 40% the size of the hydrogen tank and by up to 20% the energy capacity of the thermal storage. Finally, the proposed medium level control in a multilevel algorithm framework for a hydrogen-based microgrid is also seen to be fruitful for avoiding waste energy, which can be beneficial against the background of distributed energy systems acting in virtual power plants. • An rSOC-microgrid relying on renewables and innovative storages (i.e., HST and PCM-TES). • Multilevel control strategy checking storages resiliency in terms of energy satisfaction. • HST and TES sub-models considering transient phases for charging and discharging. • Scenario analyses aimed at optimizing both energy and economic aspects of energy storages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) on present and future scenarios of different energy storage technologies comprising hydrogen and batteries: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Hydrogen Energy Storage System (H 2 ESS), and Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). These three configurations were assessed for different time horizons: 2019, 2022 and 2030, under both on-grid and off-grid conditions. For 2030, a sensitivity analysis under different energy scenarios was performed, covering other trends in on-grid electric consumption and prices, CO 2 taxation and the evolution of hydrogen technology prices from 2019 until 2030. The selected case study is the Research Park Zellik (RPZ), a CO 2 -neutral sustainable Local Energy Community (LEC) in Zellik, Belgium. The software HOMER (Hybrid Optimisation Model for Electric Renewable) has been selected to design, model and optimise the defined case study. The results showed that BESS was the most competitive when the electric grid was available among the three possible storage options. Additionally, HESS was overall more competitive than H 2 ESS-only, regardless of the grid connection mode. Finally, as per HESS, hydrogen was proved to play a complementary role when combined with batteries, enhancing the flexibility of the microgrid and enabling deeper decarbonisation by reducing the electricity bought from the grid, increasing renewable energy production and balancing toward an island operating mode. • Assessment of hybrid energy storage systems for future energy scenarios. • Sensitivity analysis with different technical, economic, and environmental KPIs. • Analysis of the effects of the connection and capacity access to the electric grid. • Application to a real case study: a CO2-neutral Local Energy Community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is seen as a key energy vector in future energy systems due to its ability to be stored in large volumes for long periods, providing energy flexibility and security. Despite the importance of storage in hydrogen's potential role in a zero-carbon energy system, many techno-economic analyses fail to adequately model different storage methods in hydrogen supply chains, often ignoring storage requirements altogether. Therefore, this paper uses a data-driven techno-economic analysis (TEA) tool to examine the effect of storage size and cost on three different 2030 hydrogen supply chain scenarios: wind-based, solar-based, and mixed-source grid electrolysis. For varying storage sizes and specific capital costs, the overall levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH), including production, storage, and delivery to a constant demand, varies significantly. The LCOH ranges from €3.90–12.40/kgH 2 , €5.50–12.75/kgH 2 , and €2.80–15.65/kgH 2 for the wind-based, solar-based, and mixed-source grid scenarios respectively, with lower values for scenarios with low-cost storage. This highlights the critical role of low-cost hydrogen storage in realising the energy flexibility and security electrolytic hydrogen can provide. • Techno-economic analysis tool examines the effect of storage on hydrogen production. • Wind-based, solar-based, and grid electricity-based electrolysis scenarios examined. • Production only cost of hydrogen decreases by up to 35% with increasing storage size. • Up to 56 days of storage required to supply renewable hydrogen at a constant hourly rate. • Overall cost of renewable hydrogen in 2030 varies from €2.80–15.65/kgH 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel energy management strategy (EMS) to control a wind-hydrogen microgrid which includes a wind turbine paired with a hydrogen-based energy storage system (HESS), i.e., hydrogen production, storage and re-electrification facilities, and a local load. This complies with the mini-grid use case as per the IEA-HIA Task 24 Final Report, where three different use cases and configurations of wind farms paired with HESS are proposed in order to promote the integration of wind energy into the grid. Hydrogen production surpluses by wind generation are stored and used to provide a demand-side management solution for energy supply to the local and contractual loads, both in the grid-islanded and connected modes, with corresponding different control objectives. The EMS is based on a hierarchical model predictive control (MPC) in which long-term and short-term operations are addressed. The long-term operations are managed by a high-level MPC, in which power production by wind generation and load demand forecasts are considered in combination with day-ahead market participation. Accordingly, the hydrogen production and re-electrification are scheduled so as to jointly track the load demand, maximize the revenue through electricity market participation and minimize the HESS operating costs. Instead, the management of the short-term operations is entrusted to a low-level MPC, which compensates for any deviations of the actual conditions from the forecasts and refines the power production so as to address the real-time market participation and the short time-scale equipment dynamics and constraints. Both levels also take into account operation requirements and devices' operating ranges through appropriate constraints. The mathematical modeling relies on the mixed-logic dynamic (MLD) framework so that the various logic states and corresponding continuous dynamics of the HESS are considered. This results in a mixed-integer linear program which is solved numerically. The effectiveness of the controller is analyzed by simulations which are carried out using wind forecasts and spot prices of a wind farm in center-south of Italy. • Design of control algorithms for islanded and grid-connected microgrids. • Development of hierarchical MPCs to target long-term and short-term operations. • Tracking the load demand and maximizing the revenue via electricity markets. • Minimization of the HESS operational costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) of the disposable diaper, which could serve as a substrate for pathogen growth, was valorized into nanostructured carbon through chemical activation for electrochemical hydrogen storage. The Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to elucidate the effects of activation conditions. Optimization results show that activation temperature and KOH:SAPC molar ratio had a greater impact on the textural and morphological characteristics of the nano-activated carbon. The best electrode material exhibited a surface area of 2552 m2/g, a total pore volume of 1.28 cm³/g, a total micropore volume of 0.871 cm³/g, and a pore size of 1.32 nm. The galvanostatic charge/discharge curves indicate that only higher current densities of 1 and 2 A/g could achieve a faster release of stored hydrogen in approximately 4 min. The best material stored hydrogen mainly through the electric double-layer mechanism, and the specific capacity reached 1878 mAh/g (6.60 wt% of H 2), which ranks among the best-reported hydrogen storage capacities with activated carbon. • Diaper waste was used as a sustainable precursor to prepare activated carbon. • Abundant micropores and high surface area allowed high hydrogen storage capacity. • Higher current density achieved faster release of adsorbed hydrogen atoms. • The mechanism of hydrogen storage is mainly electric double layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing heterogeneity and scalability of the Internet of everything, especially, the Energy Internet (EI), is a prompt for novel engineering paradigms. The current infrastructure of hardware technologies besides the available software stack is becoming obsolete for handling the advanced requirements of the smart energy ecosystem. Accordingly, software definitions of the Internet of Things (IoT) stack functions are gaining interest to provide more flexible and scalable implementations. This paper investigates a sophisticated softwarization explicit hybrid model predictive control strategy for energy storage facility systems through the accessor design pattern. This strategy is presumed to support and facilitate the integration of higher-level analytic and control functionalities within the IoT stack at edges and nodes. Simulation is conducted with the Ptolemy II software to evaluate the execution semantics of the proposed strategy. In addition, real-time experiments on a lab-scale hydraulic tank process with both abrupt and gradual commands test scenarios showed the efficiency and reliability of the accessor-based controllers for achieving the control objectives for the benchmark storage facility with an abstract implementation. The analysis shows that this process can serve as a benchmark to mimic the charge and discharge cycles of storage elements in EI ecosystems. • A new paradigm for hydrogen energy storage interfacing within energy Internet ecosystems is proposed and investigated. • An actor-oriented approach is applied for implementing real-time control systems of hydrogen storage. • Software-defined model predictive control is implemented within a Node.js accessor host. • A benchmark process is developed as an emulator for hydrogen energy storage to evaluate the accessors design pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a two-layer hierarchical control strategy for an isolated DC microgrid with a hybrid energy storage system is considered. The DC microgrid studied is composed of a short-term battery energy storage system, long-term hydrogen-based energy storage system and renewable energy resources. The proposed control strategy, combines concepts of Interconnection and Damping Assignment Passivity-Based Control (IDA-PBC) as a primary level and Model Predictive Control (MPC) as a supervisory level. The IDA-PBC layer guarantees a correct power balance and ensures global stability according to Lyapunov theory, considering the non-linear behavior of the physical system. On the other hand, the MPC layer calculates the reference signals for the primary level, ensuring null stationary error in the desired variables. As known, it is important to keep the electrolyzer, the fuel cell and the batteries in a safe operating mode to increase their useful life and guarantee the quality of the hydrogen produced. In this sense, the benefits of MPC are exploited by considering system constraints in the controller design. The main objective of the two-layer control strategy is to ensure the supply of electrical energy to the loads and quality in the electrical variables of the network. Representative simulation results under demanding conditions verify the effectiveness of combining IDA-PBC and MPC for this class of problems. • An isolated MG with H2 storage, typical structure of a refueling station, was modeled. • The hierarchical control strategy successfully combines IDA-PBC and MPC techniques. • The IDA-PBC ensures the stability of the nonlinear and complex MG. • Supervisor MPC ensures zero stationary error and safe operating mode of the MG. • The control confirms that H2 storage integrated with RES contributes to MG stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework for the efficient design and evaluation of a standalone hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to meet the energy requirements of a rural community in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. The proposed microgrid system incorporates solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, biomass gasifier, fuel cell, and Battery storage. The sizing of each component is determined through the utilization of real local meteorological data and the load demand over a year, employing the Levy flight-salp swarm algorithms (LF-SSA). The optimization objective is to minimize the annualized system cost (ASC) of the HRES, while also considering the reliability constraint of Loss of power supply probability (LPSP). The comparative outcomes demonstrate that the LF-SSA surpasses other examined algorithms, namely the salp swarm, genetic algorithm, and HOMER software by achieving substantial cost savings of $29033, $50796, $191771 respectively in relation to the proposed HRES. The result further shows that, the LF-SSA provides the lowest LCOE of $0.933162/kWh, in contrast to SSA at $0.947737/kWh, GA at $0.958660/kWh, and HOMER at $1.075351/kWh. Additionally, the results indicate that the implemented Energy Management System (EMS) has successfully facilitated the establishment of an environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy system. • An efficient energy storage system is essential for managing intermittent energy supply. • The fuel cell can generate DC power by combining hydrogen with oxygen. • The amount of power generated by a PV panel depends on temperature and solar radiation intensity. • Deterministic rule-based controllers operate based on pre-defined rules. • Energy Management System coordinate the flow of power between different components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the path to a net-zero-carbon economy, large-scale energy storage will be an essential part of a renewable energy system. Hydrogen generated from renewable or zero-carbon sources has significant potential as an energy storage medium, by allowing for long-duration and high-capacity energy storage. At the volumes anticipated, however, underground storage systems will likely be essential. Much like the current natural gas system, underground hydrogen storage would provide a safe and cost-effective complement to smaller surface storage infrastructure. Recently, there has been significant interest in the possibility of converting existing gas storage systems to hydrogen storage, though many uncertainties exist in such a process. This paper explores the reservoir dynamics of natural gas/hydrogen gas mixtures and the resulting impacts on storage conversion and gas deliverability. Two specific topics are addressed. First, a novel viscosity model for hydrogen-containing gas mixtures is developed, which shows better agreement with experimental measurements than the widely-used Lohrenz-Bray-Clark model. Second, detailed reservoir simulations are used to investigate cost-effective injection/withdrawal strategies for converting a natural gas storage system to one that stores hydrogen/natural-gas blends. The critical role of buoyancy and gravity override is described, and recommendations are made regarding key reservoir characteristics and injection strategies for managing this behavior. • This study focuses on the conversion of an operational natural gas storage field to hydrogen storage. • A novel viscosity model is developed for hydrogen-containing gas mixtures. • Reservoir simulations evaluate the effect of geologic and engineering parameters on composition and rate of recovered gas. • Gravity segregation significantly influences the severity of fluctuations in the produced gas composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]