Development of a Hydrogen Energy System as a Grid Frequency Management Tool

A hydrogen energy system (HES) demonstrated limited effectiveness for rapid grid frequency management, with response times too slow to match battery energy storage systems (BESS). The study, conducted by the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), installed a 65 kg/day HES at NELHA to test electrolyzer durability and performance under dynamic load conditions. While modifications improved system response time, it remained unsuitable for fast frequency regulation (1 to 0.5 Hz). The research suggests that a hybrid electrolyzer/BESS system could optimize grid regulation services at lower costs. This study highlights the potential and challenges of integrating hydrogen systems into island grid management.

Ewan, M., Rocheleau, R., Swider-Lyons, K., Virji, M., & Randolph, G. (2016). Development of a Hydrogen Energy System as a Grid Frequency Management Tool (, Ed.). Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI). https://doi.org/10.2172/1262641