Off-Grid Wind Energy Conversion System with Supercapacitor-Assisted Control for Optimal Green Hydrogen Production

This paper presents and validates a novel control strategy for directly integrating wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) with electrolyzers (ELZs) in off-grid systems maximizing electrical power and hydrogen production. The study builds on previous research that directly integrates WECSs with ELZs, eliminating the need for energy storage systems by using the ELZ as a controllable load, managed through maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Although this approach has shown effective results, it also led to significant current fluctuations in the ELZ. The new contribution of this study is the integration of supercapacitors (SCs) and modification of the control to smooth current fluctuations in the ELZ, reducing its degradation and improving operational efficiency. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of this control strategy, showing enhanced power management and reduced current peaks as SCs absorb power surges. This reduces ELZ cycling and degradation, extending its lifespan and offering a possible cost-effective solution for green hydrogen production in remote or offshore locations.