Session: 12-01: Hydrogen Energy, Alternative Fuels, Bioenergy, and Biofuels

Paper Number: 132968

132968 - Enhancing Renewable Energy Systems: Integrating and Optimizing Flywheel and Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Solutions 

Abstract: 

The global shift towards renewable energy sources faces challenges due to the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, which often leads to power imbalances. Unlike traditional power plants, these systems can produce electricity inconsistently, influenced by environmental factors. While batteries are commonly used for energy storage, their limited lifespan, environmental impact, and slow response times present significant drawbacks. To address these issues, the integration of flywheels with fuel cells is proposed as an innovative backup energy storage solution. Flywheels offer rapid energy response during power surges, whereas fuel cells provide sustained power for extended periods when renewable output is low. This study explores the feasibility of integrating flywheel and fuel cell technologies within a Hybrid PV-Flywheel-Hydrogen System, designed to ensure a stable power supply for an off-grid factory in Germany.

The system includes a PV solar array, PEM electrolyzer, flywheel energy storage, PEM fuel cell, and hydrogen storage tanks, managed by a power management unit. These components are linked via a common DC link, which serves as the center point for managing DC power distribution. A power management unit (PMU) is used to determine the power distribution within the system and monitor the PV power, the load demand, and the rest of the system components. The DC link routes power through an inverter to meet the factory’s load demand.

In daylight, the PV system responds to immediate energy needs, storing excess energy in the flywheel and electrolyzer to generate hydrogen. Conversely, during the night or overcast conditions, the fuel cell and flywheel meet immediate high peak energy demands and periods where the PV power is not sufficient. 

A comprehensive simulation model in MATLAB is conducted and optimized via non-linear integer programming for energy balance and system dimensioning. The findings include a detailed behavioral analysis of each system component over four representative days of the year, captured with a 30-second demand resolution at the factory. This analysis is augmented by a year-long energy flow assessment using a time series of loads and real weather data. The optimization targets the optimum number of PV modules, hydrogen production volume, electrolyzer power capacity, and fuel cell power capacity, with the goal of minimizing surplus energy and achieving a balance between annual energy production and consumption. Efficiency Analysis provides insights into the system's performance, indicating that the proposed hybrid system could significantly enhance the stability and reliability of renewable energy sources. By effectively bridging the gap between short-term and long-term energy storage needs, this system offers a robust solution to the challenges of renewable energy intermittency.

Presenting Author: Mohamed Elkholy Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

Presenting Author Biography: 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 | 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆
Master's Student at University of Tokyo (UTokyo) | B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Summa cum laude, AUC
With a diverse skillset rooted in mechanical engineering, I have cultivated a profound passion for advancing scientific research in renewable energy. My extensive hands-on experience in the energy sector has equipped me with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. I pride myself on adaptability, whether working collaboratively in dynamic teams or spearheading initiatives independently. Actively seeking opportunities to contribute and innovate in the broader energy landscape

Authors:

Mohamed Elkholy Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Sarah Schwarz Technische Universität Darmstadt
Georg Avemarie Technische Universität Darmstadt
Muhammad Aziz Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo