Water electrolysis system optimization in a microgrid

In the past ten years, increases in distributed renewable generation (mostly wind and solar) have complicated normal grid operations. Careful engineering can effectively eliminate the potentially adverse impacts that distributed resource penetration could impress on the electric delivery system. When renewable generation technologies are paired with well-scaled, high efficiency, energy storage systems, they have the potential to meet a much more consistent level of demand. Pilot scale projects can demonstrate the viability of localized energy production and usage. This project revolves around the ongoing microgrid venture happening at the campus of Stone Edge Farm and Vineyard. Quantifying the inputs and outputs of the hydrogen electrolyzer component in different operation scenarios to determine its efficiency is the focus of this project. Hydrogen is an extremely energy dense molecule but does not occur in the desired H2 gaseous form under natural, atmospheric conditions. Measuring the component’s electrical consumption and fuel production allows for real time and historical monitoring to quantify the system’s efficiency variability based on control and operational adjustments.