Flexible and cost-effective integration of electrolyzers into smart energy systems

Flexibility is key to tackling the variability of renewable energy sources and a flexible electricity demand-side process can potentially reduce fuel production cost. Besides, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of power-to-X technologies highly depend on the type of electrolysis technology and electrolyzer operating hours on the site. As demonstrated, flexibility in the electrolysis technology is crucial to integrate the massive fluctuating renewable capacities necessary to meet climate goals cost-effectively. This project compares the dynamic performance of different types of electrolyzers in a power-to-X system under the framework of high installed wind and solar power capacities that we will have in Denmark in the near future, and assuming the other varying background conditions, i.e. the hour-by-hour electricity price variations, seasonal variation of CO2 availability, seasonal and daily variation of district heating demand, 24-hour variations in electricity grid capacity at electrolyzer location and potential seasonal variations in heat supply from waste incineration at electrolyzer locations.