Cost-optimized system technology and grid integration of systems for the production of green hydrogen

HyLeiT is concerned with the electrical system technology of electrolysis plants, in particular with converter technology as the link between the grid and the electrolyzer.

The objectives are a significant cost reduction in power electronics, improved direct current quality at the electrolyser, which in turn has a positive influence on the reliability and service life of the electrolysis stacks, and the consideration of grid serviceability options during operation. To this end, the partners are developing a specially adapted and optimized power converter technology. Circuit topologies with application-specific optimized SiC power semiconductors are also being used. In order to be able to test and optimize the power converters in the system context, real-time simulation models of the power grid and the electrolysis stacks are being created. These models are incorporated into a "Power Hardware in the Loop" platform, which makes it possible to test the developed power converter concepts under different grid conditions and stack configurations, with scenarios for operating the systems in grids with a high proportion of renewable energies being of great importance. The electrical connection technology in electrolysis rectifiers is also being optimized to increase efficiency and reliability. The focus here is particularly on the thermal design and investigations into the contact and long-term behavior of the connecting elements. The developments are accompanied by the investigation of new types of protection concepts for electrical system technology. To this end, faults must be reliably detected and automatically resolved, thereby increasing the robustness of the system.