FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for hydrogen production
and storage. More specifically, the present invention is related to a controlled operation
of the production of hydrogen, and the storage thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The political landscape of today's society strives for an increased use of renewable
energy sources and for industrial processes which are environmental friendly and which
may use power provided from these sources. Related to this is the area of energy storage,
which is becoming an important asset in connection with electrical power grids comprising
and/or connected to renewable energy sources.
[0003] Hydrogen, H
2, can be used as a chemical feed-stock and processing gas, or as an energy carrier
for energy applications. Depending on the type of hydrogen production used, different
colors are often assigned to the hydrogen within the energy industry. For example,
green hydrogen is produced or extracted using method(s) that do not produce greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. The production of blue hydrogen produces GHGs, but carbon capture
and storage technologies capture and store the emissions, whereas grey hydrogen production
does not capture the emissions. Brown hydrogen (from brown coal) and black hydrogen
(from black coal) are produced via gasification, converting carbon-rich materials
into hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO
2), and releasing the CO
2 into the atmosphere. It is desirable to produce hydrogen in the most environmentally
friendly way possible, i.e. to avoid brown and/or black hydrogen, and prioritize green
hydrogen. Comparing hydrogen as an energy carrier with hydrocarbon fuels, hydrogen
is unique in dealing with emissions and most notably greenhouse gas emissions because
hydrogen energy conversion has potentially no emissions other than water vapor.
[0004] The use of hydrogen will furthermore play an important role in the ongoing development
of steel production. In typical steel production, carbon is used as a reductant. However,
the carbon reductant can be replaced with hydrogen, which may result in a steel production
process which is substantially emissions-free. Hence, there is a wish to develop the
ability to produce and store hydrogen for numerous applications, wherein steel production
constitutes a highly interesting area for the use of the produced/stored hydrogen.
[0005] However, there are challenges related to the production and storage of hydrogen from
energy provided from electrical power sources. For example, in case of wind and/or
solar energy, the production of electrical power by these electrical power sources,
and in some cases as distributed and provided by electrical power grid(s), may infer
irregularities and/or imbalances caused by production variations. In order to compensate
for these variations, transmission system operators may allow customers to reduce
and increase electrical power imbalances through a variety of energy system services
like reserve services and/or spot markets. Consequently, however, there may be problems
related to relatively high and/or fluctuating costs related to the acquisition of
electrical power.
[0006] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to try to overcome at least some
of the challenges related to the production and storage of hydrogen by electrical
power provided from an electrical power source, and to provide a system and method
related to hydrogen production and/or storage management which aims to achieve a desired
production and storage of hydrogen in an environmentally friendly manner whilst optimizing
costs related to the provided electrical power and/or balancing load and/or frequency
in the supply of electrical power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is of interest to overcome at least some of the challenges related to the production
and storage of hydrogen by electrical power provided from an electrical power source,
and to provide a system and method related to hydrogen production and/or storage management
which aims to achieve a desired production and storage of hydrogen in an environmentally
friendly manner whilst optimizing costs related to the electrical power provided for
the hydrogen production and/or storage, and/or balancing load and/or frequency in
the supply of electrical power.
[0008] This and other objects are achieved by providing a system and a method having the
features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent
claims.
[0009] Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
system for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage. The system comprises an electrical power source arranged
to provide electrical power, and at least one electrochemical arrangement coupled
to the electrical power source, wherein the at least one electrochemical arrangement
is arranged to produce hydrogen, H
2. The system comprises at least one storage unit coupled to the at least one electrochemical
arrangement, wherein the at least one storage unit is arranged to store the hydrogen,
H
2, produced by the at least one electrochemical arrangement. The system further comprises
a control unit coupled to the electrical power source and the at least one electrochemical
arrangement. The control unit is configured to receive a first set of data associated
with a first cost of electrical power provided from the electrical power source. The
control unit is further configured to receive a second set of data associated with
a second cost of at least one ancillary service associated with the electrical power
provided from the electrical power source. The control unit is further configured
to control an operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement, based on
the electrical power provided from the electrical power source, by at least one optimization
criterion as a function of the first set of data and the second set of data.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage. The method comprises receiving electrical power from an
electrical power source. The method further comprises receiving a first set of data
associated with a first cost of electrical power received from the electrical power
source, and receiving a second set of data associated with a second cost of at least
one ancillary service associated with the electrical power received from the electrical
power source. The method further comprises producing hydrogen, H
2, by at least one electrochemical arrangement coupled to the electrical power source,
by controlling an operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement by at
least one optimization criterion as a function of the first set of data and the second
set of data. The method further comprises storing the produced hydrogen, H
2.
[0011] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a system and method
for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage, wherein the operation and/or management of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) for producing the hydrogen is based on optimization as a function of
data associated with costs related to the electrical power and ancillary service(s)
thereof.
[0012] The present invention is advantageous in that the system and method may achieve a
desired and/or demanded production and storage of hydrogen whilst efficiently and
conveniently optimizing costs related to the provided electrical power for such a
production and/or storage. It will be appreciated that an increase of (renewable)
electrical power sources such as e.g. wind and/or solar energy source(s) may lead
to production and/or frequency imbalances in the supply of electrical power to the
electrochemical arrangement(s) caused by variations in the energy production. By the
system and method of the present invention, being configured to control and optimize
the production and storage of hydrogen based on the supply of electrical power and
cost(s) related thereto, which in turn are affected by possible fluctuations related
to the provision of the electrical power, a convenient and efficient management of
the hydrogen production and storage is achieved.
[0013] The present invention is further advantageous in that it provides a system for the
management of production and storage of hydrogen which balances load and frequency
in the supply of electrical power. Hence, by the system of the present invention,
electrical power grid operators may be supported in keeping the stability of the load
and/or frequency in the electrical power grid.
[0014] The present invention is further advantageous in that it provides a system for the
production and storage of hydrogen whilst striving to minimize the cost of such hydrogen
production and storage.
[0015] The present invention is further advantageous in that the production of hydrogen
by the electrochemical arrangement(s) in the system is environmentally friendly. Notably,
the electrochemical arrangement(s) produce green hydrogen, meaning that the process(es)
of the electrochemical arrangement(s) do not produce GHG emissions.
[0016] According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system
for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage. The system comprises an electrical power source arranged
to provide electrical power. By the term "electrical power source", it is here meant
substantially any energy source which is able to generate, provide an/or supply electrical
power. It should be noted that "electrical power source" may encompass a plurality
of sources, such as renewable energy sources, which may be configured and/or able
to generate, provide an/or supply electrical power. The system comprises at least
one electrochemical arrangement coupled to the electrical power source. By the term
"electrochemical arrangement", it is here meant an arrangement, device, unit, or the
like which is configured to convert electrical power (energy) into chemical energy
or vice versa, i.e. to convert chemical energy into electrical power (energy). In
other terms, the electrochemical arrangement(s) constitute equipment arranged to facilitate
the evolution of hydrogen via electrochemical reactions. The system comprises at least
one storage unit coupled to the at least one electrochemical arrangement, wherein
the at least one storage unit is arranged to store the hydrogen, H
2, produced by the at least one electrochemical arrangement. Hence, the storage unit(s)
is (are) coupled and/or connected to the electrochemical arrangement(s) and is (are)
arranged or configured to store the hydrogen, H
2, which is produced by the electrochemical arrangement(s). The system further comprises
a control unit coupled to the electrical power source and the at least one electrochemical
arrangement. By the term "control unit", it is here meant substantially any system,
device, unit, processor, or the like which is configured for a control, operation
and/or management of the electrochemical arrangement(s). The control unit is configured
to receive a first set of data associated with a first cost of electrical power provided
from the electrical power source. Hence, the first set of data is associated, related
and/or linked to a first cost or price of electrical power. The control unit is further
configured to receive a second set of data associated with a second cost of at least
one ancillary service associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical
power source. Hence, the second set of data is associated, related and/or linked to
a second cost or price of ancillary service(s) associated with the electrical power
provided from the electrical power source. By the term "ancillary service" it is here
meant an ancillary or balancing service or function that helps electrical power grid
operators maintain a reliable electricity system such as maintaining the proper flow
and direction of electricity, addressing imbalances between supply and demand, and/or
helping the system recover after a power system event. Alternatively, by the term
"ancillary service" it is here meant an ancillary or balancing service which supports
the transmission of electric power from electrical power sources to consumers given
the obligations of control areas and transmission utilities within those control areas
to maintain reliable operations of an interconnected transmission system.
[0017] The control unit is further configured to control an operation of the at least one
electrochemical arrangement, based on the electrical power provided from the electrical
power source, by at least one optimization criterion as a function of the first set
of data and the second set of data. Hence, the control unit is configured to control
an operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) by one or more optimization criteria
as a function of (or based on) the first and second sets of data. By "optimization
criterion", it is here meant any criterion, condition, constraint, function, or the
like, which is used for optimizing the control of the operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) with the first set of data and the second set of data as parameters,
which in turn are associated with the costs of the electrical power, and the ancillary
service(s) associated with the electrical power, respectively, provided from the electrical
power source. It will be appreciated that the first cost or price of electrical power,
and the optimization thereof, may be denoted "power arbitrage". It should be noted
that the first set of data and/or the second set of data may not necessarily drive
control and/or decision-making by the control unit in real time. In other words, the
first set of data and/or the second set of data may be used (e.g. across time series)
by the control unit, e.g. via generation of a set of rules activated in real time
by the control unit.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optimization criterion of
the at least one optimization criterion may be associated with an activation of the
at least one ancillary service and a deactivation of the at least one ancillary service,
respectively, as a function of the second set of data. Hence, the control unit may
be configured to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) via an
optimization criterion associated with an activation and/or a deactivation of the
ancillary service(s) as a function of the second set of data, which in turn is related
to the cost of the ancillary service(s). The present embodiment is advantageous in
that the production and storage of hydrogen, based on the ancillary service activation/deactivation
may be performed in an even more economical or cost-efficient manner.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may further
be configured to control the operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement
by selection of at least one electrochemical arrangement of the at least one electrochemical
arrangement for operation, and control of the operation of the selected at least one
electrochemical arrangement by at least one of an increase of an operational level
of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement, a decrease of an operational
level of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement, and a maintenance
of an operational level of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement.
In other words, the control unit may be configured to first select one or more of
the electrochemical arrangement(s) to operate, and thereafter, to control the selected
electrochemical arrangement(s) by an increase (i.e. "ramp up"), a decrease (i.e. "ramp
down") and/or a holding/maintenance of the operational level (level of operation)
of the selected electrochemical arrangement(s), based on the electrical power provided
from the electrical power source, by the optimization criterion(s) as a function of
the first set of data and the second set of data. It will be appreciated that the
selection of the electrochemical arrangement(s) by the control unit may be performed
according to an optimization criterion, e.g. as a function of the first set of data
and the second set of data. The present embodiment is advantageous in that one or
more specific electrochemical arrangements may be selected for the hydrogen production
and that this (these) selected electrochemical arrangement(s) may be operated (individually)
by increasing, decreasing and/or maintaining the operation level(s) thereof, which
may even further contribute to the desired hydrogen production and storage, and the
cost-efficiency thereof.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system may further comprise
at least one sensor coupled to the at least one electrochemical arrangement and the
control unit, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to generate sensor data
from the at least one electrochemical arrangement, wherein the control unit is further
configured to control the operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement
as a function the generated sensor data. By the term "sensor", it is here meant substantially
any sensor unit, device, or the like, which is configured to sense and/or register
data from the electrochemical arrangement(s). Hence, the control unit is configured
to control the electrochemical arrangement(s) based on the electrical power provided
from the electrical power source, by at least one optimization criterion as a function
of the first set of data and the second set of data, as well as based on the electrochemical
arrangement(s) sensor data, which may relate to one or more properties of the electrochemical
arrangement(s). The present embodiment is advantageous in that the sensed data from
the electrochemical arrangement(s) may contribute to the control thereof, i.e. in
addition to the optimization criterion(s) as a function of the first set of data and
the second set of data.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first cost
comprising an actual cost of electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
and the second cost comprising an actual cost of the at least one ancillary service
associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical power source, may
be fulfilled. By the term "actual cost", it is here meant a cost which is set (fixed),
determined or provided for the electrical power and/or the ancillary service(s) of
the electrical power sources. It will be appreciated that the actual cost may be a
cost that is set (fixed) in advance. Hence, the first and second costs may comprise
actual costs of the electrical power and the ancillary services associated therewith,
and the control unit may be configured to control the operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s), based on the electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
by optimization criterion(s) as a function of the first set of data and the second
set of data, wherein the first and second sets of data may be associated with these
actual costs. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the optimization performed
by the control unit, based on actual cost(s), may result in an even more cost-efficient
production and storage of hydrogen.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may further
be configured to predict at least one of a first future cost of electrical power provided
from the electrical power source, and a second future cost of the at least one ancillary
service associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the at
least one electrochemical arrangement as a function of at least one of the predicted
first future cost and the predicted second future cost. By the term "future cost",
it is here meant a predicted or estimated cost, i.e. a forthcoming cost as predicted
or estimated of the electrical power (first future cost) and of the ancillary service(s)
(second future cost). Hence, the control unit may be configured to control the operation
of the electrochemical arrangement(s), based on the electrical power provided from
the electrical power source, by optimization criterion(s) as a function of the first
set of data and the second set of data, wherein these first and second sets of data
may be associated with costs predicted/estimated by the control unit. The present
embodiment is advantageous in that the optimization performed by the control unit,
based on predicted/estimated cost(s), may result in an even more cost-efficient production
and storage of hydrogen.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may further
be configured to predict at least one of the first future cost and the second future
cost by at least one machine learning, ML, model. Hence, the control unit may be configured
to predict or estimate the first and/or second future cost(s) by one or more ML models.
By "machine learning, ML, model", it is here meant a model comprising one or more
computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience and by the use of
data. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the predictions/estimations of
the first and/or second future cost(s) performed by the control unit may be improved
even further. Consequently, this may lead to an even more improved control and/or
management of the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) for hydrogen production
and storage.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first set
of data and the second set of data may comprise weather data associated with the electrical
power source. By the term "weather data", it is here meant data related and/or associated
with the weather, wherein the weather data in turn is related and/or associated with
the electrical power source. Hence, the first set of data associated with a first
cost of electrical power and/or the second set of data associated with a second cost
of ancillary service(s) associated with the electrical power may comprise weather
data associated with the electrical power source, and the control unit of the system
may hereby control an operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s), based on the
electrical power provided from the electrical power source, by optimization criterion(s)
as a function of the first and second sets of data. The present embodiment is advantageous
in that the ability of the control unit to control the operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) based on weather data, via the first and second sets of data, may to
an even higher extent optimize the production and the storage of hydrogen, and the
cost-efficiency thereof.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be further
configured to receive at least one of a third set of data associated with at least
one first constraint associated with the at least one storage unit, and a fourth set
of data associated with at least one second constraint associated with the at least
one electrochemical arrangement, wherein the control unit is further configured to
control the operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement as a function
of at least one of the third set of data and the fourth set of data. By the term "constraint",
it is here meant a condition, limitation, or the like, of the storage unit(s) and/or
electrochemical arrangement(s). By the present embodiment, the control unit is configured
to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s), based on the electrical
power provided from the electrical power source, by optimization criterion(s) as a
function of the first, second, third and fourth sets of data.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one ancillary service
may comprise at least one of a frequency containment reserve normal, FCR-N, service,
a frequency containment reserve disturbance, FCR-D, service, an automatic frequency
restoration reserve, aFRR, service, a manual frequency restoration reserve, mFRR,
service, a fast frequency reserve, FFR, service, a replacement reserve, RR, service,
a balancing mechanism, BM, service, an enhanced frequency response, EFR, service,
a demand side response, DFR, service, a demand turn up, DTU, service, a firm frequency
response, FFR, service, a fast reserve, FR, service, a short term operating reserve,
STOR, service, a dynamic containment, DC, service, and a transmission constraint management,
TCM, service. It will be appreciated that different countries or geographical regions
may have different names of the ancillary services. Hence, the ancillary or balancing
service(s) associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical power
source may comprise one or more of the services described. The present embodiment
is advantageous in that the control unit may control an operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) based on substantially any ancillary service or any combination of
ancillary services.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one electrochemical
arrangement may comprise at least one of an electrolytic cell, an electrochemical
cell, and a galvanic cell. Hence, the electrochemical arrangement(s) may comprise
one or more electrolytic cells configured to convert electrical power (energy) into
chemical energy, and/or one or more electrochemical and/or galvanic cells configured
to convert chemical energy into electrical power. Due to the different properties
and concepts of the electrochemical arrangement(s) as exemplified, the system may
be configured and/or designed for optimizing the production and the storage of hydrogen,
and the cost-efficiency thereof. For example, the system may comprise a (single) kind
of electrochemical arrangement (e.g. one or more electrolytic cells) or, alternatively,
a combination of electrochemical arrangements of different kinds (e.g. one or more
electrolytic cells, electrochemical cells and galvanic cells) for an optimized operation
thereof via the control unit.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one electrochemical
arrangement may comprise at least one of a polymer electrolyte membrane, PEM, electrolyzer,
a solid oxide electrolyzer cell, SOEC, electrolyzer, an alkaline water electrolysis,
AWE, electrolyzer, an anion exchange membrane, AEM, electrolyzer, and a pressurized
alkaline electrolyzer. Hence, the electrochemical arrangement(s) may comprise one
or more PEM, SOEC, AWE, AEM and/or pressurized alkaline electrolyzer(s). It should
be noted that the disclosed electrolyzers have different properties, modes of operation,
efficiency, etc. Based on the electrical power provided from the electrical power
source, and as a function of the first and second sets of data, the control unit may
hereby control the electrochemical arrangement(s) by the optimization criterion(s),
via any operation and/or combination of operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s).
For example, the control unit may be configured to operate one or more electrolyzers
in a same category (e.g. only PEM electrolyzer(s)), to operate one or more electrolyzers
in a first category during a first time interval and one or more electrolyzers in
a second category during a second time interval, etc. By this optimized or customized
operation of the electrolyzer(s) by the control unit, the present embodiment is advantageous
in that the system may to an even higher extent optimize the production and the storage
of hydrogen, and the cost-efficiency thereof.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement
for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage. The arrangement may comprise the system according to any
one of the preceding embodiments, and an electrical power grid arranged for delivery
of electrical power, wherein the electrical power grid comprises the electrical power
source. By the term "electrical power grid", it is here meant an interconnected network
for electricity generation and/or delivery from producer(s) to consumer(s). Hence,
according to the embodiment, the electrical power source(s) of the system is (are)
connected to the electrical power grid of the arrangement, and the control unit is
configured to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s), based on
the electrical power provided from the electrical power source, by optimization criterion(s)
as a function of the first set of data associated with a first cost of electrical
power provided from the electrical power source in the electrical power grid, and
as a function of the second set of data associated with a second cost of ancillary
service(s) associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical power
source in the electrical power grid.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an industrial
system. The industrial system may comprise a system according to any one of the preceding
embodiments or the arrangement according to the preceding embodiment.
[0031] The industrial system may further comprise at least one electrical power consumption
unit coupled to the at least one storage unit, wherein the at least one electrical
power consumption unit is configured to consume electrical power converted from hydrogen,
H
2, received from the at least one storage unit, wherein the control unit is further
configured to control the operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement
as a function of a demand for electrical power at the at least one electrical power
consumption unit. Hence, the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) is controlled
by the control unit both as a function of the first and second sets of data associated
with electrical power and ancillary service costs, as well as a demand for electrical
power at the electrical power consumption unit(s) which consume electrical power converted
from hydrogen received from the storage unit(s). By the term "electrical power consumption
unit", it is meant substantially any unit, device, arrangement, process, or the like,
which is configured to consume electrical power during operation. The present embodiment
is advantageous in that the arrangement is configured to optimize and/or balance the
production and storage of hydrogen in a cost-efficient manner, whilst being able to
control the hydrogen production and storage based on the demand for electrical power
at the electrical power consumption unit(s).
[0032] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will
become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and
the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features
of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described
in the following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail,
with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.
Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for hydrogen, H2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2 schematically shows a control unit of a system for hydrogen, H2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 3 schematically shows (an) electrochemical arrangement(s) and a storage unit
of the system for hydrogen, H2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 4 schematically shows an industrial system comprising a system for hydrogen,
H2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
and
Fig. 5 schematically shows a method for hydrogen, H2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Fig. 1 schematically shows a system 100 for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
The system 100 comprises an electrical power source 110 arranged to provide electrical
power. The electrical power source 110, which may comprise substantially any kind
of power source(s) 100, is exemplified in Fig. 1 as a solar power source 110a, a wind
power source 110b, and a water power source 110c. It should be noted that substantially
any energy or power source (renewable or non-renewable) which is able to generate,
provide an/or supply electrical power may constitute an electrical power source 110
according to the present invention.
[0035] The system 100 further comprises at least one electrochemical arrangement 120 coupled
to the electrical power source 110. In Fig. 1, the electrochemical arrangements 120
are exemplified as three electrochemical arrangements 120a-c, but it should be noted
that the number of electrochemical arrangements 120 is arbitrary. Furthermore, the
kind or type of electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 may be arbitrary, as the electrochemical
arrangement(s) 120 may comprise e.g. one or more electrolytic cells configured to
convert electrical power (energy) into chemical energy, and/or one or more electrochemical
and/or galvanic cells configured to convert chemical energy into electrical power.
The system 100 may comprise a (single) kind or type of electrochemical arrangement
120 (e.g. one or more electrolytic cells) or, alternatively, a combination of electrochemical
arrangements 120 of different kinds or types (e.g. one or more electrolytic cells,
electrochemical cells and galvanic cells). For example, the system 100 may comprise
one or more electrolyzers of PEM, SOEC, AWE and/or AEM type, or a pressurized alkaline
electrolyzer.
[0036] The system 100 as exemplified in Fig. 1 further comprises at least one storage unit
130 which is coupled to the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. The storage unit(s)
130 is (are) arranged to store the hydrogen, H
2, produced by the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. The storage unit(s) 130 is (are)
exemplified as a single storage unit 130, but it should be noted that the number of
storage units 130 is arbitrary.
[0037] In Fig. 1, the system 100 further comprises a control unit 140 which is coupled to
(arranged between) the electrical power source 110 and the at least one electrochemical
arrangement 120. The control unit 140 is schematically indicated, and may constitute
substantially any system, device, unit, processor, or the like which is configured
for a control of the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. The control unit 140 may
hereby be described as a management platform of the electrochemical arrangement(s)
120. The control unit 140 is configured to receive a first set of data 150 associated
with a first cost of electrical power provided from the electrical power source 110.
The first set of data 150 may be received from the electrical power source 110 or
from any other unit, system, or the like. The first set of data 150 is exemplified
in Fig. 1 by two subsets 150a, 150b of the first set of data 150, albeit the number
of subsets of the first set of data 150 is arbitrary. For example, the first subset
150a of the first set of data 150 may be associated with a cost or price of electrical
power at a next (forthcoming) day or days. Furthermore, the second subset 150b of
the first set of data 150 may, for example, be associated with a cost of electrical
power during the (present) day. In other words, the first set of data 150 may be associated
and/or comprise future (day-ahead) market costs/prices and/or spot market costs/prices
of electrical power. It will be appreciated that the time interval(s) (i.e. duration)
and/or the date (i.e. day) for the cost(s) of electrical power may be chosen arbitrarily.
[0038] The control unit 140 of the system 100 is further configured to receive a second
set of data 160 associated with a second cost of at least one ancillary service associated
with the electrical power provided from the electrical power source 110. In other
words, the second set of data 160 may be associated and/or comprise future (day-ahead)
costs/prices and/or spot costs/prices of (tendered) ancillary services. The ancillary
(balancing) service(s) may, for example, comprise one or more of a FCR-N, FCR-D, mFRR,
FFR, RR, BM, EFR, DFR, DTU, FR, STOR, DC and/or TCM service. The second set of data
160 is exemplified in Fig. 1 by three subsets 150a-c of the second set of data, albeit
the number of subsets of the second set of data is arbitrary. For example, the first
subset 160a of the second set of data 160 may be associated with a second cost of
a FCR-N service associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical
power source 110, the second subset 160b of the second set of data 160 may be associated
with a second cost of a FRR service associated with the electrical power provided
from the electrical power source 110, and the third subset 160c of the second set
of data 160 may be associated with a second cost of a FCR-D service associated with
the electrical power provided from the electrical power source 110.
[0039] In Fig. 1, the control unit 140 of the system 100 is further configured to control
an operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 based on the electrical power
provided from the electrical power source 110, by at least one optimization criterion
170 as a function of the first set of data 150 and the second set of data 160. Hence,
the control unit 140 uses the first and second sets of data 150, 160 as inputs, and
is configured to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 by
one or more optimization criterions 170. For example, the optimization criterion(s)
170 may comprise a cost function for minimizing a cost with respect to the first and
second sets of data 150, 160, which in turn are associated with the cost of the electrical
power and the ancillary service(s) associated with the electrical power provided from
the electrical power source 110, respectively. This management, operation and/or optimization
of the control unit 140 via the optimization criterion(s) 170 may be performed whilst
still meeting any other (possible) criterion(s) related to the production and/or storage
of hydrogen via the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. For example, one optimization
criterion may be associated with an activation of the ancillary service(s) and/or
a deactivation of the ancillary service(s) as a function of the second set of data
160.
[0040] Fig. 2 schematically shows a control unit 140 of a system 100 for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
It will be appreciated that the system 100 and/or the control unit 140 thereof may
be the same or similar to that exemplified in Fig. 1, and it is hereby referred to
Fig. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of the system 100 and
the control unit 140. According to the example of Fig. 2, the first cost of the first
set of data 150 comprises an actual cost 155 of electrical power provided from the
electrical power source 110. Analogously, the second cost of the second set of data
160 comprises an actual cost 165 of the ancillary service(s) associated with the electrical
power provided from the electrical power source. The term "actual cost" represents
a cost which is set (fixed), determined or provided for the electrical power and/or
the ancillary service(s) of the electrical power source. Hence, the first and second
costs of the first and second sets of data 150, 160 may comprise actual costs 155,
165 of the electrical power and the ancillary services associated therewith, and the
control unit 140 may be configured to control the operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) 120 by optimization criterion(s) 170 as a function of the actual first
and second costs 155, 165.
[0041] In Fig. 2, the control unit 140 may further be configured to predict a first future
cost 175 of electrical power provided from the electrical power source, and a second
future cost 185 of the at least one ancillary service associated with the electrical
power provided from the electrical power source. The term "future cost" represents
a predicted or estimated cost, i.e. a forthcoming cost as predicted or estimated of
the electrical power (first future cost 175) and of the ancillary service(s) (second
future cost 185). The first and second future costs 175, 180 are schematically indicated
as outputs from the optimization criterion(s) 170 of the control unit 140. In other
words, the system 100, via the control unit 140, may perform predictions of day-ahead
and/or intra-day market costs/prices for controlling power arbitrage and ancillary
services. For example, the first subset (not shown) of the first set of data 150 may
be associated with a cost or price of electrical power at a next (forthcoming) day
or days, and the second subset (not shown) of the first set of data 150 may be associated
with a cost of electrical power during the (present) day.
[0042] The first and/or second future costs 175, 185 may be predicted by the control unit
140 independently, or dependently, of the actual first and second costs 155, 165.
The control unit 140 may hereby be configured to control the operation of the electrochemical
arrangement(s) 120 by optimization criterion(s) 170 as a function of the predicted
first and second future costs 175, 185. According to an example, the control unit
140 may be configured to predict the first future cost 175 and/or the second future
cost 185 by one or more machine learning, ML, models 190, as schematically indicated
by dashed lines in the optimization criterion(s) 170. For example, the ML model(s)
190 may comprise algorithms based on ARIMA (Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average),
ANN (Artificial Neural Network), etc. It will be appreciated that details of the ML
model(s) 190, comprising one or more computer algorithms that improve automatically
through experience and by the use of data, are known to the skilled man and are therefore
omitted. According to an example, at least one of the first set of data 150 and the
second set of data 160 may comprise weather data 195 associated with the electrical
power source, wherein the term "weather data" represents data related and/or associated
with the weather. For example, the weather data 195 may comprise actual (current,
present) weather data and/or forecast weather data. Furthermore, the weather data
195 may be related to substantially any kind of weather, such as sun, wind, precipitation,
etc. For example, in case of relatively strong winds during a period in time (either
current and/or forecast), and in case the system 100 comprises one or more wind power
sources, the weather data 195 may indicate a relatively high level of electrical power
from the wind power source(s) provided in the system 100, which furthermore may influence
the first and/or second sets of data 150, 160 associated with a first cost 155 of
electrical power, and a second cost 165 of ancillary service(s) associated with the
electrical power, respectively, provided from the electrical power source. Hence,
the control unit 140 may control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s)
accordingly, i.e. as a function of the weather data 195, and as a function of the
first and second sets of data 150, 160.
[0043] Fig. 3 schematically shows (an) electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 and a storage
unit 130 of the system 100 for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
It will be appreciated that the system 100, the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120
and/or the storage unit 130 may be the same or similar to that exemplified in Fig.
1, and it is hereby referred to Fig. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding
of the system 100, the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 and the storage unit 130.
[0044] In Fig. 3, the system 100 further comprises at least one sensor 200 coupled to the
at least one electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 and the control unit (not shown).
As exemplified in Fig. 3, each electrochemical arrangement 120a-c comprises a respective
sensor 200a-c, although it should be noted that the electrochemical arrangements 120a-c
may comprise substantially any number of sensors 200. The sensor(s) 200 is (are) configured
to generate sensor data (not shown) from the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. The
sensor data may comprise substantially any data related to property(ies), condition(s),
efficiency, or the like of the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120. The control unit
may hereby be further configured to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s)
120 as a function the generated sensor data. Hence, according to this example, the
control unit is configured to control the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 based
on the electrical power provided from the electrical power source, by one or more
optimization criterions as a function of the first and second sets of data, as well
as a function of the electrochemical arrangement(s) sensor data. In combination with,
or independently of, the provision of sensor(s) 200 in the system 100, the control
unit may be further configured to receive a third set of data 210 associated with
one or more first constraints associated with the storage unit 130, and a fourth set
of data 220 associated with one or more second constraints associated with the electrochemical
arrangement(s) 200. The third and fourth sets of data 210, 220 may be associated with
substantially any constraints related to limitation(s), condition(s), or the like
of the storage unit 130 and electrochemical arrangement(s) 120.
[0045] Fig. 4 schematically shows an industrial system 400 comprising a system 100 according
to any one of preceding embodiments. It will be appreciated that the system 100 may
be the same or similar to that exemplified in Fig. 1, and it is hereby referred to
Fig. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of the system 100. Hence,
in Fig. 4, the control unit 140 of the system 100 is merely schematically indicated
by dashed lines for reasons of simplicity. According to this example, the industrial
system 400 further comprises an electrical power grid 405. The electrical power grid
405 is arranged for delivery of electrical power, wherein the electrical power grid
405 comprises electrical power source(s) of the system 100. The electrical power grid
405 is exemplified by connections of the exemplified electrical power sources for
illustrative purposes only. The industrial system 400 further comprises at least one
electrical power consumption unit 410 coupled to the at least one storage unit (not
shown) of the system 100. The electrical power consumption unit(s) 410, which may
be substantially any unit, device, plant, arrangement, process, or the like, which
is configured to consume electrical power during operation, is configured to consume
electrical power converted from hydrogen, H
2, received from the storage unit(s) 130 and produced by the electrochemical arrangement(s)
120 of the system 100. The control unit 140 of the system 100 is further configured
to control the operation of the electrochemical arrangement(s) 120 as a function of
a demand for electrical power at the electrical power consumption unit(s) 410.
[0046] Fig. 5 schematically shows a method 500 for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage according to an exemplifying embodiment of the second aspect
of the present invention. The method comprises the step of receiving 510 electrical
power from an electrical power source. The method further comprises the step of receiving
520 a first set of data associated with a first cost of electrical power received
from the electrical power source. The method further comprises the step of receiving
530 a second set of data associated with a second cost of at least one ancillary service
associated with the electrical power received from the electrical power source. The
method further comprises the step of producing 540 hydrogen, H
2, by at least one electrochemical arrangement coupled to the electrical power source,
by controlling 550 an operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement by
at least one optimization criterion as a function of the first set of data and the
second set of data. The method further comprises the step of storing 560 the produced
hydrogen, H
2.
[0047] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is
limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications
and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example,
the number and/or type of electrochemical arrangements, electrical power sources,
storage units, etc., is arbitrary.
1. A system (100) for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage, comprising
an electrical power source (110) arranged to provide electrical power,
at least one electrochemical arrangement (120) coupled to the electrical power source,
wherein the at least one electrochemical arrangement is arranged to produce hydrogen,
H2,
at least one storage unit (130) coupled to the at least one electrochemical arrangement,
wherein the at least one storage unit is arranged to store the hydrogen, H2, produced by the at least one electrochemical arrangement,
a control unit (140) coupled to the electrical power source and the at least one electrochemical
arrangement, the control unit being configured to
receive a first set of data (150) associated with a first cost of electrical power
provided from the electrical power source,
receive a second set of data (160) associated with a second cost of at least one ancillary
service associated with the electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
and
control an operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement, based on the
electrical power provided from the electrical power source, by at least one optimization
criterion (170) as a function of the first set of data and the second set of data.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein an optimization criterion of the at least
one optimization criterion is associated with an activation of the at least one ancillary
service and a deactivation of the at least one ancillary service, respectively, as
a function of the second set of data.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the control unit being further configured to
control the operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement by
selection of at least one electrochemical arrangement of the at least one electrochemical
arrangement for operation, and
control of the operation of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement
by at least one of
an increase of an operational level of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement,
a decrease of an operational level of the selected at least one electrochemical arrangement,
and
a maintenance of an operational level of the selected at least one electrochemical
arrangement.
4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
at least one sensor (200) coupled to the at least one electrochemical arrangement
and the control unit, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to generate sensor
data from the at least one electrochemical arrangement,
wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the at
least one electrochemical arrangement as a function the generated sensor data.
5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of
the first cost comprising an actual cost of electrical power provided from the electrical
power source, and
the second cost comprising an actual cost of the at least one ancillary service associated
with the electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
is fulfilled.
6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, the control unit being further
configured to predict at least one of
a first future cost of electrical power provided from the electrical power source,
and
a second future cost of the at least one ancillary service associated with the electrical
power provided from the electrical power source,
wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the at
least one electrochemical arrangement as a function of at least one of the predicted
first future cost and the predicted second future cost.
7. The system according to claim 6, the control unit being further configured to predict
at least one of the first future cost and the second future cost by at least one machine
learning, ML, model.
8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first set of data
and the second set of data comprises weather data associated with the electrical power
source.
9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit
is further configured to receive at least one of
a third set of data (300) associated with at least one first constraint associated
with the at least one storage unit, and
a fourth set of data (310) associated with at least one second constraint associated
with the at least one electrochemical arrangement,
wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the at
least one electrochemical arrangement as a function of at least one of the third set
of data and the fourth set of data.
10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one
ancillary service comprises at least one of
a frequency containment reserve normal, FCR-N, service,
a frequency containment reserve disturbance, FCR-D, service,
an automatic frequency restoration reserve, aFRR, service,
a manual frequency restoration reserve, mFRR, service,
a fast frequency reserve, FFR, service
a replacement reserve, RR, service,
a balancing mechanism, BM, service,
an enhanced frequency response, EFR, service,
a demand side response, DFR, service
a demand turn up, DTU, service,
a firm frequency response, FFR, service,
a fast reserve, FR, service,
a short term operating reserve, STOR, service
a dynamic containment, DC, service, and
a transmission constraint management, TCM, service.
11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one
electrochemical arrangement comprises at least one of
an electrolytic cell,
an electrochemical cell, and
a galvanic cell.
12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one
electrochemical arrangement comprises at least one of
a polymer electrolyte membrane, PEM, electrolyzer,
a solid oxide electrolyzer cell, SOEC, electrolyzer,
an alkaline water electrolysis, AWE, electrolyzer,
an anion exchange membrane, AEM, electrolyzer, and
a pressurized alkaline electrolyzer.
13. An arrangement for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage, comprising
the system according to any one of the preceding claims, and
an electrical power grid (405) arranged for delivery of electrical power, wherein
the electrical power grid comprises the electrical power source.
14. An industrial system (400), comprising one of
the system according to any one of claims 1-12, and
the arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the industrial system further comprises
at least one electrical power consumption unit (410) coupled to the at least one storage
unit, wherein the at least one electrical power consumption unit is configured to
consume electrical power converted from hydrogen, H2, received from the at least one storage unit,
wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the at
least one electrochemical arrangement as a function of a demand for electrical power
at the at least one electrical power consumption unit.
15. A method (500) for hydrogen, H
2, production and storage, comprising
receiving (510) electrical power from an electrical power source
receiving (520) a first set of data associated with a first cost of electrical power
received from the electrical power source,
receiving (530) a second set of data associated with a second cost of at least one
ancillary service associated with the electrical power received from the electrical
power source,
producing (540) hydrogen, H2, by at least one electrochemical arrangement coupled to the electrical power source,
by controlling (550) an operation of the at least one electrochemical arrangement
by at least one optimization criterion as a function of the first set of data and
the second set of data, and
storing (560) the produced hydrogen, H2.