Capacity Optimization Configuration of Hydrogen Production System for Offshore Surplus Wind Power

To solve the problem of residual wind power in offshore wind farms, a hydrogen production system with a reasonable capacity was configured to enhance the local load of wind farms and promote the local consumption of residual wind power. By studying the mathematical model of wind power output and calculating surplus wind power, as well as considering the hydrogen production/storage characteristics of the electrolyzer and hydrogen storage tank, an innovative capacity optimization allocation model was established. The objective of the model was to achieve the lowest total net present value over the entire life cycle. The model took into account the cost-benefit breakdown of equipment end-of-life cost, replacement cost, residual value gain, wind abandonment penalty, hydrogen transportation, and environmental value. The MATLAB-based platform invoked the CPLEX commercial solver to solve the model. Combined with the analysis of the annual average wind speed data from an offshore wind farm in Guangdong Province, the optimal capacity configuration results and the actual operation of the hydrogen production system were obtained. Under the calculation scenario, this hydrogen production system could consume 3,800 MWh of residual electricity from offshore wind power each year. It could achieve complete consumption of residual electricity from wind power without incurring the penalty cost of wind power. Additionally, it could produce 66,500 kg of green hydrogen from wind power, resulting in hydrogen sales revenue of 3.63 million RMB. It would also reduce pollutant emissions from coal-based hydrogen production by 1.5 tons and realize an environmental value of 4.83 million RMB. The annual net operating income exceeded 6 million RMB and the whole life cycle NPV income exceeded 50 million RMB. These results verified the feasibility and rationality of the established capacity optimization allocation model. The model could help advance power system planning and operation research and assist offshore wind farm operators in improving economic and environmental benefits. © 2023, Tech Science Press. All rights reserved.