Optimization of electric-hydrogen coupling system in chemical park considering refined modelling of coupling equipment

Introduction The accelerated development of renewable energy sources has confronted substantial challenges, primarily attributable to their intermittency and uncertainty. Consequently, the integration of green electricity has become a pressing concern. Hydrogen production from water electrolyzer has emerged as a key method for promoting local wind and solar energy consumption. However, extant studies tend to neglect the value of hydrogen as a chemical feedstock and rely on simplified linear models to describe the characteristics of electro-hydrogen coupling devices. This has resulted in discrepancies between optimization decisions and actual operational performance. Methods To address this gap, the present paper employs a nonlinear semi-empirical model with a focus on electrolyzer and fuel cell. It describes the energy conversion between electricity and hydrogen more accurately based on electrochemical mechanisms. On this basis, considering the dual value of hydrogen energy as both “energy carrier” and “chemical raw material”, the operation optimization model of electric-hydrogen coupling system for chemical parks is established. Furthermore, a convexification method for coupling device constraints is proposed to enhance solution efficiency. Results and Discussion The findings of the study demonstrate that the semi-empirical model provides a more accurate representation of actual equipment performance, thereby preventing deviations between real-world operation and outcomes derived from optimization. Furthermore, the collaborative optimization strategy that accounts for hydrogen’s dual value has been shown to significantly improve the system’s economic benefits.