Abstract
Renewable energy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the future of the energy sector. As renewable energy generation increases, an emerging challenge lies in integrating it into modern power systems, particularly in addressing variability, maintaining stability, and improving control. Wind and solar energy have well-established power characteristics and control mechanisms for grid integration. In contrast, marine energy remains an underutilized yet promising resource due to its stable and predictable nature. However, its offshore deployment and fluctuating flow conditions pose challenges for direct grid integration. A possible solution is coupling marine energy with hydrogen production, enabling efficient energy storage.
This study focuses on modeling the complete energy conversion loop for hydrogen production from ocean currents, incorporating the ocean current turbine, generator, electrolyzer, and advanced control strategies to optimize energy conversion and hydrogen production efficiency. A comprehensive simulation model will be developed, integrating hydrodynamic turbine modeling, electrical power conversion, and electrolysis dynamics to assess the impact of ocean current speed variations on power generation and hydrogen production.
In addition to system modeling, this study highlights advanced control strategies to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of marine-hydrogen systems, particularly in remote or coastal areas with limited grid infrastructure. To mitigate grid instabilities caused by variable renewable power, a model predictive control (MPC) approach is explored to dynamically regulate power allocation between hydrogen electrolysis and direct grid injection. The control system optimizes power distribution while considering grid constraints, electrolyzer limits, and hydrogen storage capacity.
Furthermore, the study examines energy management and storage strategies, evaluating whether stored hydrogen can provide grid support functions such as load balancing and frequency regulation, similar to a synchronous generator. By addressing key challenges in dynamic modeling and control design, this research advances marine energy utilization for sustainable hydrogen production, offering insights into system sizing, energy dispatch, and control methodologies. It lays the foundation for scalable and resilient marine-hydrogen energy solutions.