Commissioning and first operation of the Hybrid Power System “Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven”
03 HYB24-24
Presented by: Anna Heuschmann
General Scope
The Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven (HLB) is a test field set up in Bremerhaven that offers a widely networked infrastructure. Consisting of two electrolysers (1 MW PEM, 1,3 MW alkaline), a fuell cell, a CHP-plant, high- and low-pressure storage units, trailer filling station and the associated peripherals, the HLB at Fraunhofer IWES offers a hydrogen system that provides a wide range of operating options and testing possibilities. The HLB can also be flexibly expanded with up to ten free test stations. A wind turbine, a converter test stand and a 44 MVA grid emulator are integrated into the HLB to enable any number of test scenarios and various stand-alone grid operating modes. The waste heat from the PEM electrolyser will be used to operate a desalination system with the aim to integrate electrolysis into offshore applications. The associated test stand, including a seawater basin, is also part of the HLB.
Main results obtained
In general, there is a lack of real data to validate the simulations in larger power classes. Various influences resulting from the size of the electrolysers are neglected or not considered in the simulations. Scientific projects and investigations on real objects are often conducted only on a (very) small scale - a few 100 kW or smaller. Experience in setting up and operating a test field on a real and industrial dimension is therefore essential and extremely important for further development.
There are no standardized test protocols that are sufficiently tested or standards for electrolysers. This is an important step in the rapid expansion of the technology, which is being driven forward by the long-term tests at HLB.
Methods used
Fraunhofer IWES began planning, implementing, commissioning and the current trial operation of the HLB in 2020. The operation of the individual devices provides a fundamental understanding of the individual systems. All devices will be equipped with extensive measurement technology, which, in addition to performance data and product flow data, also provides information on the mechanical, acoustic, seismic or thermoscopic behavior of the system. The electrolysers will be validated in long-term test campaigns and various test protocols will be run and developed. The direct coupling with an 8 MW wind turbine enables a fluctuating generation line to be run under real conditions. The coupling with the 44 MVA grid emulator can, among other things, realize tests of various grid and fault scenarios. Overall, a great deal of experience can be gained along the entire hydrogen chain and the electrotechnical integration of the systems.
Relevance of the subject matter
There is a pressing need for comprehensive standardization and testing of hydrogen systems to achieve the self-imposed hydrogen goals (10 GW in Germany, 40 GW in the EU in 2030). The absence of established standards and technical guidelines for the integration of hydrogen systems into the existing power grid presents a significant obstacle to large-scale deployment. To close knowledge gaps in the operation, testing methods, and instrumentation of hydrogen systems and to advance the standardization of test methodology, a detailed investigation of these systems under real conditions, connected to the public grid, in combination with renewable energies, and in island mode operation is required. The HLB will make a decisive contribution.
Major conclusions drawn
For 2030 H2-targets, standardized testing is crucial. The absence of integration standards hinders progress. Understanding electrolyser characteristics is vital for reliable operation, especially in isolated and offshore grids.
Results from the operation of the Hydrogen Hybrid Power Systems in real time scale are an inevitable step towards the fulfillment of the targets and the expansion of the technology.
The Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven (HLB) is a test field set up in Bremerhaven that offers a widely networked infrastructure. Consisting of two electrolysers (1 MW PEM, 1,3 MW alkaline), a fuell cell, a CHP-plant, high- and low-pressure storage units, trailer filling station and the associated peripherals, the HLB at Fraunhofer IWES offers a hydrogen system that provides a wide range of operating options and testing possibilities. The HLB can also be flexibly expanded with up to ten free test stations. A wind turbine, a converter test stand and a 44 MVA grid emulator are integrated into the HLB to enable any number of test scenarios and various stand-alone grid operating modes. The waste heat from the PEM electrolyser will be used to operate a desalination system with the aim to integrate electrolysis into offshore applications. The associated test stand, including a seawater basin, is also part of the HLB.
Main results obtained
In general, there is a lack of real data to validate the simulations in larger power classes. Various influences resulting from the size of the electrolysers are neglected or not considered in the simulations. Scientific projects and investigations on real objects are often conducted only on a (very) small scale - a few 100 kW or smaller. Experience in setting up and operating a test field on a real and industrial dimension is therefore essential and extremely important for further development.
There are no standardized test protocols that are sufficiently tested or standards for electrolysers. This is an important step in the rapid expansion of the technology, which is being driven forward by the long-term tests at HLB.
Methods used
Fraunhofer IWES began planning, implementing, commissioning and the current trial operation of the HLB in 2020. The operation of the individual devices provides a fundamental understanding of the individual systems. All devices will be equipped with extensive measurement technology, which, in addition to performance data and product flow data, also provides information on the mechanical, acoustic, seismic or thermoscopic behavior of the system. The electrolysers will be validated in long-term test campaigns and various test protocols will be run and developed. The direct coupling with an 8 MW wind turbine enables a fluctuating generation line to be run under real conditions. The coupling with the 44 MVA grid emulator can, among other things, realize tests of various grid and fault scenarios. Overall, a great deal of experience can be gained along the entire hydrogen chain and the electrotechnical integration of the systems.
Relevance of the subject matter
There is a pressing need for comprehensive standardization and testing of hydrogen systems to achieve the self-imposed hydrogen goals (10 GW in Germany, 40 GW in the EU in 2030). The absence of established standards and technical guidelines for the integration of hydrogen systems into the existing power grid presents a significant obstacle to large-scale deployment. To close knowledge gaps in the operation, testing methods, and instrumentation of hydrogen systems and to advance the standardization of test methodology, a detailed investigation of these systems under real conditions, connected to the public grid, in combination with renewable energies, and in island mode operation is required. The HLB will make a decisive contribution.
Major conclusions drawn
For 2030 H2-targets, standardized testing is crucial. The absence of integration standards hinders progress. Understanding electrolyser characteristics is vital for reliable operation, especially in isolated and offshore grids.
Results from the operation of the Hydrogen Hybrid Power Systems in real time scale are an inevitable step towards the fulfillment of the targets and the expansion of the technology.