Joint optimized operation of large-scale electric hydrogen production and new energy stations based on proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Wind-to-hydrogen, as an emerging energy storage mode, can effectively reduce wind curtailment and mitigate wind power fluctuations. This paper addresses the optimization problem of large-scale renewable energy-based hydrogen production systems to leverage the advantages of electrolytic hydrogen production systems. A fine-grained model is proposed based on the flexibility of electrolyzers. The flexibility of large-scale electrolysis equipment is analyzed, and a scheduling model is established for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems to provide reserve capacity. Real-time electricity price changes and source-load mismatch are considered, and constraints such as electrolyzer operating characteristics, real-time power balance, and reserve capacity are incorporated. A day-ahead dispatch model for the wind-hydrogen integrated system is formulated to minimize system operating costs. Three different scenarios are developed for day-ahead power scheduling using actual data on wind turbine output and load. The results demonstrate that the constructed model for large-scale electrolysis systems aligns well with the actual situation. The proposed reserve capacity characterization method accurately represents the benefits of hydrogen production participating in ancillary services. The optimization strategy avoids purchasing electricity at peak prices and reduces the start-up and shutdown losses of electrolysis systems, thereby significantly reducing the system’s operating costs. It improves the integration level of wind power and greatly reduces the reserve capacity requirements for wind power integration, thus validating the accuracy of the proposed model.