Wind park reliable energy production based on a hydrogen compensation system. Part II: Economic study

Abstract

Power production from renewable energy resources is increasing day by day. In the case of Spain, in 2009 it represented 26.9% of installed power and 20.1% of energy production. Wind energy makes the most important contribution to this production. Wind generators are greatly affected by the restrictive operating rules of electricity markets because, as wind is naturally variable, wind generators may have serious difficulties in submitting accurate generation schedules on a day-ahead basis, and in complying with scheduled obligations. Weather forecast systems have errors in their predictions depending on wind speed. Therefore, if wind energy becomes an important actor in the energy production system, these fluctuations could compromise grid stability. In the previous paper in this brief series, [1] we showed technical results of the proposed solution, which consists of combining wind energy production with a biomass gasification system and a hydrogen generation system based on these two sources. In the present paper we show the economic results of the study, considering the most profitable technical configurations and three possible economic scenarios.

Evaluating the wind energy potential for hydrogen production: A case study

“…They found that hydrogen energy storage technology using wind energy would economically be viable. Sanchez et al [16] illustrated economic evaluation of wind park based on a hydrogen compensation system consists of combining wind energy production with a biomass gasification system and a hydrogen generation system based on these two sources. They concluded feasibility of implementing this system.…”

Experimental characterization of a grid-connected hydrogen energy buffer: Hydrogen production

“…Moreover, a lot of studies have been published about hydrogen as an energetic vector using renewable energy sources. Simulation studies have demonstrated the technical and economic viability of the use of hydrogen in wind farm compensation combined with a biomass gasification plant [5], [6], or in stand-alone systems for residential areas [7], [8], [9] combining wind energy production with solar photovoltaic and hydrogen storage [10]. Experimental studies demonstrate that it is possible to use this kind of energy storage in the scale of kW for residential application [11], [12] or even in extreme environmental conditions.…”

Electric system management through hydrogen production – A market driven approach in the French context

“…A nuclear power plant is retained in Ref. [8] and [9]; a biomass gasification one is selected by Sá nchez et al (2012) [10].…”