(Invited) Development of a Hydrogen Energy System as a Grid Frequency Management Tool

Abstract

It has been postulated that, similar to a battery, the optimized use of an electrolyzer as a variable load may help regulate grid frequency and increase the penetration of renewable energy resources on the grid. The use of an electrolyzer in this way could provide an “ancillary service” to the grid that can be assigned a monetary value. This monetary value can be used to offset the cost of hydrogen production. The hydrogen in turn can be used in high value applications such as a transportation fuel. The Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) is conducting research to assess the technical potential and economic value of using an electrolyzer-based hydrogen production and storage system as a demand response tool for grid management. This presentation will describe the Hydrogen Energy System (HES) configuration, plans for operation in the field, and results of initial tests to determine the dynamic response of the electrolyzer and overall system.