Operational Analysis of Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Green hydrogen production through electrolysis is increasingly recognized as a critical pathway for decarbonizing the energy sector. However, the integration of electrolyzers with renewable energy systems presents several technical and economic challenges. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are inherently variable, leading to fluctuating power inputs that impose dynamic operating conditions on electrolyzers. These fluctuations result in degradation mechanisms, such as start-stop cycles, partial load operation, and power ramping, which reduce efficiency and impact long-term performance and economic viability. While technical challenges related to degradation have been investigated in prior research, the role of hydrogen support mechanisms, such as price premiums, in addressing these challenges remains underexplored.

This thesis extends an existing optimization framework to incorporate degradation effects into the modeling of electrolyzer performance. Degradation is represented asdynamicreductions in efficiency that evolve based on operational conditions, including cycling and variable load profiles. A rolling horizon approach is employed to simulate the cumulative impact of degradation over time, enabling the study of electrolyzer operations under realistic renewable energy inputs. The model evaluates two distinct scenarios: one in which electrolyzers operate without external policy intervention, and another where hydrogen support mechanisms are integrated into the framework. This separation allows for an examination of how these factors independently influence electrolyzer scheduling, efficiency, and the economic viability of green hydrogen production.

The findings indicate that degradation significantly influences electrolyzer performance under variable renewable energy conditions, with dynamic operating profiles leading to efficiency losses over time. The inclusion of hydrogen support mechanisms in the analysis highlights their potential to improve economic feasibility by partially mitigating the financial challenges posed by variability. However, the results are contingent on model assumptions and emphasize the importance of considering operational and market-specific factors when assessing the impact of such mechanisms.

By addressing both technical and economic aspects, this thesis contributes to the understanding of howelectrolyzers performunder variable power inputs and howpolicy mechanisms might influence their operation. The results provide a foundation for further research into optimizing electrolyzer performance and integrating green hydrogen into renewable energy systems.