Improving Grid Stability and Balancing Renewable Power Intermittence with P2H2P Hybrid Power Systems Model: A Performance Study

The energy landscape is shifting towards renewable energy sources (RES), phasing out fossil-fueled synchronous generators and integrating more inverter-based generators (IBG) into the grid. This transition poses significant risks to power system stability due to the inherent variability of renewable resources (VRR), low system inertia, and insufficient system strength, creating substantial barriers to achieving a fully renewable grid. Current technologies, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), are commonly employed to balance VRR. In contrast, traditional technologies like synchronous condensers (SC) provide system strength and inertia to support the grid and adhere to grid codes. These solutions have notable limitations, including high costs, operational complexity, time limits, and capacity constraints. Furthermore, this supportive solution functions as an individual mechanism rather than as an integral part of the system. This paper introduces an innovative power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P2H2P) hybrid model to tackle these challenges, featuring the Wärtsilä 31H2 pure hydrogen engine developed by Wärtsilä. This model aims to generate power from green hydrogen, supporting the grid during frequency and voltage disturbances without relying on established BESS or SC while ensuring a grid rich in 100% renewable energy. The model is tested within an IEEE 9-bus system to evaluate its performance, with results regarding bus voltage, active power, and reactive power for each bus presented in the 9-bus model. The paper performs the simulation study in the DigiSILENT software environment.