| dc.description.abstract | As the world seeks renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen emerges as a valuable energy carrier to facilitate the green shift. When produced from renewable energy, hydrogen is considered a green fuel that can be stored over a longer period, unlike the electricity it was produced from. This enables hydrogen to utilize renewable energy that might otherwise be trapped due to infrastructure limitations. This thesis explores the feasibility of generating hydrogen from a potential small-scale hydropower plant located in an area with a limited grid connection.
This thesis examines the fluctuating power output of a potential small-scale hydropower plant, using a dataset containing electricity generation from the potential plant. Additionally, various electrolyzer capacities, 1 MW, 3 MW, and 5 MW, were examined through simulation to identify the most suitable option for the hydropower plant. This was done using a MATLAB model to investigate how fluctuating power input influences the hydrogen production rate and the operational conditions of the electrolyzer. Moreover, a cost analysis was conducted, considering the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), which is the price per kilogram of hydrogen produced. The thesis also compares AEL and PEM electrolyzer technologies and explores potential end-users for the simulated hydrogen production.
The results showed that none of the electrolyzer capacities fit perfectly with the potential hydropower plant. However, based on the information available in this thesis, the 3 MW electrolyzer is a compromise between the other two capacities, which are shown to be two extremes. For this capacity, the yearly production of hydrogen would be 117 100 kg in a typical dry year, 146 700 kg in a median year, and 194 300 kg in a typical wet year. Additionally, the LCOH for this capacity is 70.90 NOK/kg in a year with median power production and middle grid prices. The results also indicate limited differences in response time between the PEM and pressurized AEL electrolyzer technologies. Lastly, there are many potential end-users in the area around the potential hydropower plant, primarily in the industrial and maritime sectors. Additionally, there is a highway nearby, making hydrogen for the transport sector an option. The results provide a knowledge foundation and valuable insights into hydrogen production from fluctuating power, aiding in investment decision-making. | |
