Hydrogen DC microgrids for offshore application, completed 24

Summary

In this project, the focus is on pure-DC microgrids, where components like photovoltaics, batteries, supercapacitors, electrolysers, and fuel cells natively produce direct current (DC) power. While DC power is common in marine settings, the practical implementation of high-efficiency DC-DC converters to network these components into a microgrid is challenging due to the limited availability of suitable converters in the market.

Currently, most microgrids are AC-coupled with grid connections, involving multiple AC-DC conversions, and facing issues related to frequency synchronization and voltage stabilization. This project aims to address the barriers to establishing pure-DC microgrids and create a bench-scale pure-DC hydrogen microgrid for experimental purposes. The experiments will focus on understanding and resolving issues related to transient response and control of the DC bus voltage.

 Objectives 

• In collaboration with P.3.20.002, review the challenges posed by DC microgrids in particular as to architecture and control aspects. These will include the commercial availability of suitable DC–DC converters (voltage, power, bi-directional capability, transient performance), how to set the DC bus voltage and strategies for energy management.

• Review the barriers to building DC-powered electrolysers.

• Review the barriers to building DC-output wind turbines, tidal flow turbines and wave generators.

• Set up a bench-scale pure-DC microgrid at the few-kW scale using configurable electronic components to emulate any desired energy converter.

• Based on the findings of Task 2 of P.3.20.002, set up a viable DC microgrid architecture and explore the problems of transient behaviour with rapidly changing inputs and loads.

• Report on the findings of the review, the experimental study and the prospects for scale-up to the 1 MW level and above.

By addressing these objectives, the project aims to advance the understanding of pure-DC microgrids, identify potential solutions to the challenges they present, and pave the way for future implementation at larger scales.