From its automotive roots, GKN Hydrogen has evolved into a global company specializing in cutting-edge hydrogen storage systems. The company is transforming the storage of hydrogen by using a metal hydride solution, providing a safer, more compact, and a more eco-friendly alternative to mainstream high-pressure systems. It provides turnkey solutions, including electrolyzers, storage and fuel cells, catering from small-scale residential to large-industrial operations.
The demand for hydrogen storage systems supporting variable renewable energy sources is on the rise, with a projected market growth rate of 5.8% from 2019 to 2025 [1]. Given that many of these systems are deployed in off-grid systems relying on solar and wind plants, understanding the weather patterns that drive generation becomes vital. Accurate weather forecast data plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable and efficient energy storage.
Managing hydrogen storage in off-grid locations
An optimized control strategy is crucial for managing GKN Hydrogen's storage system. While direct hydrogen usage doesn't require a weather forecast, many off-grid storage locations rely on forecasts to predict power generation and therefore storage requirements. However, obtaining accurate and reliable weather data to model and plan hybrid renewable and storage plants is a challenge. Without this data, the control strategy cannot accurately account for short term weather impacts, leading to limitations in the efficiency and performance of hydrogen storage systems.
Filling in the data gap for an optimized control strategy
GKN Hydrogen has transitioned into a detailed weather-based control strategy by integrating the Solcast API data [2]. Using intraday short-term forecasts with 15-minute granularity, the company is better equipped to model and optimize the behaviour of its storage system. More accurate weather data is then applied in load predictions through the end of the day to help make better storage decisions and optimize energy management. With control strategies using accurate weather data, GKN Hydrogen has helped its customers maintain smaller system sizes with the same efficiency or maintain the same size with increased autonomy.
Impact
- More accurate control strategy that is responsive to changing weather conditions
- Optimized storage performance that can be adjusted to the storage system’s scalability while maintaining its efficiency
