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Control strategies for multi-electrolyzer alkaline hydrogen generation systems improving renewable energy utilization and electrolyzer lifespan

Author

Listed:
  • Zou, Peng
  • Lin, Hongjian
  • Zhou, Xianjie
  • Zou, Yongling
  • Li, Yangyang
  • Yan, Guohui
  • Duan, Xiongbo
  • Cai, Jingyuan

Abstract

To enhance the efficiency and reliability of renewable hydrogen production, this study proposes two advanced control strategies for multi-electrolyzer alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) systems powered by wind energy: the piecewise equal distribution strategy (S4) and the piecewise equal cycling distribution strategy (S5). These strategies directly address the often-overlooked minimum operating power threshold of electrolyzers. A detailed MATLAB/Simulink model is developed, integrating electrolyzer state transitions and a dynamic optimization mechanism for the switching period Tmin based on multi-objective criteria. Strategy S4 leverages this threshold to optimize segmented wind power allocation, While Strategy S5, based on Strategy S4, introduces a cyclic load balancing mechanism. Simulation results show that both strategies achieve high renewable energy utilization—95.39 % for S4 and 95.38 % for S5. In comparison to three conventional control strategies, Strategy S5 demonstrates improvements of 5.18 %, 5.35 %, and 6.38 % in hydrogen production, respectively, while reducing the standard deviation of electrolyzer operating time to 2.59 h—a 99.56 % improvement over S4. A lifecycle assessment, benchmarked against grid-powered hydrogen production, confirms that S5 delivers the highest overall sustainability benefits. Strategy S5 represents a superior trade-off between performance and durability. Both strategies are further validated across diverse configurations, demonstrating scalability and practical relevance.

Suggested Citation

  • Zou, Peng & Lin, Hongjian & Zhou, Xianjie & Zou, Yongling & Li, Yangyang & Yan, Guohui & Duan, Xiongbo & Cai, Jingyuan, 2025. "Control strategies for multi-electrolyzer alkaline hydrogen generation systems improving renewable energy utilization and electrolyzer lifespan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s096014812501290x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Tao & Song, Lingjun & Yang, Fuyuan & Ouyang, Minggao, 2024. "Research on oxygen purity based on industrial scale alkaline water electrolysis system with 50Nm3 H2/h," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).
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    4. Zou, Peng & Lin, Hongjian & Zou, Yongling & Zhou, Xianjie & Liu, Zhan & Duan, Xiongbo & Li, Yangyang & Chen, Jianqiang & Song, Yingying, 2026. "Dynamic scheduling of renewable-powered multi-electrolyzer systems for hydrogen production with simulated annealing optimization: a load balancing and efficiency enhancement approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    5. Lucio Bonaccorsi & Rosario Carbone & Fabio La Foresta & Concettina Marino & Antonino Nucara & Matilde Pietrafesa & Mario Versaci, 2025. "Operational Analysis of a Pilot-Scale Plant for Hydrogen Production via an Electrolyser Powered by a Photovoltaic System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-33, July.
    6. Vargas-Ferrer, Pedro & Sauma, Enzo & Jalil-Vega, Francisca, 2026. "Incorporating intra-hour renewable variability into the design of stand-alone electrolytic hydrogen production systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 404(C).

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