Analytical Modeling and Control of Grid-Scale Alkaline Electrolyzer Plant for Frequency Support in Wind-Dominated Electricity-Hydrogen Systems

Abstract

Integration of the hydrogen sector into power systems via electrolyzers could greatly facilitate energy sustainability by producing green hydrogen, moreover, assist in reinforcing frequency stability based on optimal control of electrolyzers. In order to improve the frequency performance of the wind-dominated electricity-hydrogen systems (WEHS), this paper investigates how to analytically evaluate and implement the dynamic frequency regulation (DFR) supported by a grid-scale alkaline electrolyzer (AEL) plant. The DFR's potential of the AEL plant is released by an emulated power-frequency characteristic, and its contributions to improving system frequency response are also analytically evaluated from the aspects of transient, steady-state, and stability indicators. Furthermore, the DFR dependency on the frequency containment reserve provision and pre-contingency operating points of AELs are analytically clarified. A DFR-driven controller to coordinate multiple modules in the AEL plant is also designed in detail. In addition, the economic analysis is presented to evaluate the profitability of AELs providing frequency support. Cases of a simple WEHS and a modified IEEE 9-bus system integrated with grid-scale AEL plants during frequency contingencies are studied to validate the proposed DFR method, which can improve the system frequency response with smoother transients and lower steady-state deviation.