Application of Utility Scale Hydrogen Electrolyzers for Virtual Renewable Power Smoothing

This paper examines the application of hydrogen electrolyzers in the context of virtual renewable power smoothing, particularly when the renewable power plant and hydrogen generation unit are geographically separated. A dynamic model of the hydrogen generation facility is developed, and the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzers is compared using the Anderson 9-bus benchmark system. The study reveals significant differences in response times between the two technologies, highlighting the limitations of alkaline electrolyzers in handling rapid power fluctuations and the advantages of PEM electrolyzers in achieving smoother power integration.