How to Optimize Green Hydrogen Production Systems Using Dynamic Simulations

Dec 12, 2024   Written by Michelle Wicmandy and Rodolfo Tellez-Schmill

In the race towards global decarbonization, green hydrogen has emerged as a key player. But how can we ensure the safety and efficiency of its production? The answer lies in dynamic simulations. Let’s explore why these simulations are invaluable in the green hydrogen industry.

Why Use Process Simulators in Green Hydrogen Systems?

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. While clean, this process involves complex systems that require careful management and optimization – a challenge where process simulators offer many benefits, as shown in Figure 1.

Petro-SIM Process Simulator Wind Turbine Electroylser Figure 1. Process simulators offer many benefits

 

  1. Design Engineering Steady-state simulations help you create accurate flowsheets, heat and mass balances, and optimize equipment sizing. Dynamic simulations enable you to improve processes and develop reliable control strategies, which among other benefits, it lowers the risks tied to overpressure.
  2. Operational Excellence Dynamic simulations serve as a digital twin when connected to real-time plant data. This lets you keep an eye on plant assets, reconcile data, and improve operations leading to save energy and cut emissions.
  3. Operator Training Simulators provide a safe environment to practice startups, shutdowns, and respond to disturbances, which reduces the likelihood of incidents while enhancing your operator’s competence.
  1. Real-Time Optimization As market conditions change, simulators enable continuous process adjustments. This approach helps keep profits up.
  2. R&D Support For advanced technologies, simulators help analyze current methods and explore future innovations.
IIlustration of pressure relieving scenarios Figure 2. Case study 1 illustrates pressure relieving scenarios

Case Study 1: Pressure Relieving Scenarios

Pressure relief systems are critical for hydrogen production, particularly during overpressure events. Dynamic simulations allow you to examine possible causes of overpressure - such as closed outlets, cooling failure, abnormal energy input, fire contingency, and more - while avoiding overly conservative designs for relief and flare systems, as shown in Figure 2. By providing an exact method to calculate relief loads, simulations enhance our understanding of overpressure causes and ensure compliance with API Standard 521.

Illustration dynamic behavior of a bank of electrolyzers Figure 3. Case study 2 shows the dynamic behavior of a bank of electrolyzers.

Case Study 2: Managing Electrolyzer Dynamics

In a bank of electrolyzers that run on renewable energy, such as wind, Figure 3 shows how dynamic simulations effectively distribute power.

For instance, a bank of four 25 MW electrolyzers showed better efficiency when operators adjusted water feed rates for each unit instead of applying the same rate to all. This approach reduced operational variability, cutting water use by 25% and energy consumption by 15%.

Conclusion

Dynamic simulations enable you to keep green hydrogen production stable and reliable. By identifying overpressure scenarios, assessing assets in real time, and configuring efficient process controls, they optimize operations while Bringing Decarbonization to Life®.

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