Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hydrogen process optimization

Hydrogen production as a clean energy source has gained a lot of interest due to the rising demand of clean energy solutions. Nevertheless, certain problems like inefficiencies in production processes and optimization of maintenance are currently the obstacles to the popularization of hydrogen as the viable carrier of energy. In this paper, we will discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be used in the optimization of hydrogen production processes. With the capacity to combine predictive control with the need to improve process efficiency and optimize maintenance schedules, AI is a possibility that can change the way in which hydrogen production plants can operate. Artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML) methods, such as deep learning algorithms and reinforcement learning are implemented to model and control complex systems in the hydrogen production industry, specifically in water electrolysis and fuels cells technologies. These models are able to foresee operational practices, enhance energy use as well as increase the life time of vital parts of the plant. Also, predictive maintenance assisted by AI will help decrease the amount of downtime, making sure that everything operates and that failures will not happen unexpectedly. The present paper discusses the latest developments in AI technologies that have already been applied to the hydrogen production and some of the key results are identified in terms of the energy savings, the minimization of the operational costs, and the increased system reliability. The results indicate that AI-based optimization can also help to achieve high efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen production. Nonetheless, issues like quality of data, integration of models, and computational cost are some of the obstacles to be overcome through further research and development. In a sum up, the use of AI in hydrogen production facilities is the potential direction of making production of hydrogen more efficient, sustainable, and reliable. Since the energy environment in the world is moving towards decarbonization, AI-based technologies have a great potential in enhancing the hydrogen economy and helping to switch to renewable and less damaging energy sources.