Abstract
Due to their weak nature, such as low inertia, offshore energy hubs are prone to unprecedented fast dynamic phenomena. This can lead to undesired instability problems. Recent literature, with main focus on onshore systems, suggests that electrolysers could be an attractive option to support wind generators in the mitigation of balancing problems. This paper presents an Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) model for real-time simulation based study of the dynamics of active power and voltage responses of offshore hubs due to wind speed fluctuations. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the ability of an electrolyser to support an offshore energy hub under different scenarios and with different locations of the electrolyser. Two locations of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers were considered: centralised (at the AC common bus of the hub) or distributed (at the DC link of the wind turbines). Numerical simulations conducted in RSCAD® on a 2 GW offshore hub with 4 × 500 MW wind power plants and 330 or 600 MW PEM electrolysers show that electrolysers can effectively support the mitigation of sudden wind speed variations, irrespective of the location. The distributed location of electrolysers can be beneficial to prevent large spillage of wind power generation during the isolation of faults within the hub.
Highlights
In order to meet Paris Agreement [1] and limit global emissions, electricity production needs to accelerate the shift to cleaner sources
Based on the Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) real-time simulation model of an offshore hub presented in [10], this paper focuses on the addition of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers for the study of the dynamics of active power and voltage responses of offshore hubs due to wind speed fluctuations
Scenario 1: Electrolysers Connected to the DC Link of the Wind Turbines
Summary
In order to meet Paris Agreement [1] and limit global emissions, electricity production needs to accelerate the shift to cleaner sources. Wind energy is already largely contributing to this clean energy mix as it represents one fourth of the global renewable energy capacity, and is bound to increase in the near future. Among this production, offshore wind energy accounts for 4.5%. Offshore production has several advantages, such as less land use and better opportunities to benefit from high wind speeds. Transmission System Operators (TSOs), are focusing on planning the roll-out of large scale offshore energy hubs. The North Sea Wind Power Hub (NSWPH) consortium aims at managing this roll-out, as stated in [2]
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