The comprehensive analysis of hydrogen energy storage technology in the new power system

Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier and has great potential to be an alternative fuel. It provides a significant way for the new energy consumption and long-term energy storage in the power system. However, the cost of hydrogen production by water electrolysis is still high and the pathway of hydrogen application needs to be illustrated. In this study, the function and economic analysis of hydrogen energy storage in the power system is investigated. The equivalent circuit model of PEM electrolyzer is established. Hydrogen energy storage technology can be mainly used in renewable energy consumption, peak and frequency regulation auxiliary services, peak cutting and valley filling, demand side response and microgrid. Based on our economic evaluation model, the electricity cost is the highest in the hydrogen production cost, accounting for 60%~80%. The hydrogen production by water electrolysis is competitive compared to coal gasification if the electricity price is lower than 0.25 yuan/kWh.