Applicant: X2E System Engineering GmbH
Funding code: EP201233
Duration: 01/2023 – 08/2024
Motivation
The aim of the H2E project was to develop and test an intelligent energy management system (EMS) for hydrogen systems. In view of the complexity and dynamic requirements of hydrogen systems – from generation and storage to reconversion into electricity – the core motivation was to create a flexible and efficient control solution. This should simplify the planning and operation of such systems, particularly with regard to the integration of renewable energies and the optimization of the energy flow.
Hydrogen pilot plant
To test the EMS, the hydrogen pilot plant (Fig. 1) was planned from scratch and installed in a 10-foot container, supplemented by an external fittings cabinet for the fluid technology and central sensors. The core of the plant is an AEM electrolyzer for hydrogen production including a downstream dryer unit. A compressor and a cylinder bundle, supported by a buffer tank, are used to compress and store the hydrogen at up to 300 bar. The stored hydrogen is converted back into electricity using a fuel cell.
Energy management system
The developed energy management system (EMS, Fig. 2) forms the central control instance and thus the “brain” of the hydrogen pilot plant. Its architecture is divided into two main components: a service component (with central database, REST API, React-based web front end for system configuration) and a customer component (with local database, REST API, multi-platform app for monitoring and control by end users). The EMS is characterized by high functional flexibility, in particular by the manufacturer-independent abstraction, integration and utilization of Modbus-capable devices of various types. The energy flows are controlled via individually definable trigger mechanisms, consisting of sensor, limit value and assigned action. These triggers form the decision logic of the EMS and enable an adaptive, status-dependent reaction to variable operating conditions. A mini PC serves as the hardware platform, which is operated in close
coupling with the H2 system control unit to ensure direct, fast-reacting system control.
Conclusion & outlook
The development and integration of the energy management system into the hydrogen pilot plant was successfully completed.
All functions were implemented as planned and put into operation in conjunction with the plant technology. The modular and flexible system architecture enables efficient, scalable control and continuous monitoring of the entire hydrogen process. In the future, the EMS will play a central role in the integration of future
hydrogen plants in order to optimize the use of green energy.
