Fast Frequency Response From Utility-Scale Hydrogen Electrolyzers

Abstract

This paper introduces the modelling foundations to study the fast frequency response (FFR) from utility-scale hydrogen electrolyzers (HEs). Specifically, we propose a dynamic model of the HE electrolysis stack, power-electronics interface, and downstream hydrogen process operational constraints, which is suitable for system-level frequency dynamics studies. We then model and study HE FFR dependency on pre-contingency operating point, size, converter's overloading capability, network location, and active power-frequency controller. Different case studies are run on the Australian multi-area test system via dynamic simulations of a 2030 scenario with 50% renewables and in the context of the August 2018 separation event. Our modelling and results illustrate how grid-scale HEs could support a more secure and resilient operation of low-carbon systems for both credible and extreme outages and the role of different design setups and operating conditions and constraints.