Optimization of the whole life capacity configuration of the hydrogen production system based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm

The economic viability of green hydrogen production is a critical barrier to its large-scale deployment, primarily due to renewable energy intermittency and long-term equipment degradation, which are often overlooked in system planning. Here, we address this challenge by developing a whole-life-cycle co-optimization model that integrates dynamic component degradation with capacity configuration and operational strategy. To solve this complex, non-linear problem, we introduce a multi-strategy Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) featuring synergistic enhancements for superior convergence and accuracy. Applying our model to a wind-solar hydrogen system reveals an optimal configuration achieving a 7-year payback period and a 12.08% internal rate of return, demonstrating a clear path to profitability. The framework also validates a collaborative dispatch strategy that ensures operational robustness across diverse seasonal conditions. Our findings establish a robust methodology for designing economically resilient hydrogen infrastructures, critically bridging the gap between static investment planning and dynamic real-world performance.