Analysis of Grid-Connected Wind Farm Combined With Hydrogen Production

Raggovidda wind farm is assumed expanded from 45 MW to 200 MW, and hydrogen is assumed produced from excess wind power. The grid restriction is 50 MW, and whenever the wind power exceeds 50 MW, hydrogen is produced. Based on a Weather Research and Forecast model run by Kjeller Vindteknikk, as well as wind- and production data from Raggovidda wind farm, a time-series of 20 years of wind power with an hourly resolution is developed. With this as an input, hydrogen production is simulated with the use of Python. Alkaline atmospheric electrolysers of 2.3 MW are considered. Liquid storage and delivery is considered the best solution. The storage is assumed emptied once a week, and hydrogen is delivered by two liquid carrier ships in shuttle with a range of 2,000-2,500 nautic miles. Electrolyser and storage capacity are design variables. Liquefaction capacity follows from the electrolysis maximum output, and the ship size required follows from the storage capacity. By minimizing production costs, the optimal dimensions of the plant are found. The optimal electrolysis capacity ranges from 103.5 – 151.8 MW and the optimal weekly storage ranges from 300 – 400 tons of hydrogen, provided a 5 % result cost interval. This requires a liquefaction capacity of 49 – 58 tons/day, and a carrier ship size of 4,240 - 5,650 m3. The minimum production cost is calculated to 4.23 – 4.34 EUR/kg. With a charge of about 10 EUR/kg hydrogen at refuelling stations, a revenue of more than 5 EUR/kg may be achievable, provided no VAT or taxes are added.M-M