Voltage Control of PV-Wind-FC-Electrolyzer-Battery based Hybrid Microgrid

Abstract

The global community is actively exploring methods to utilize renewable energy sources (RESs) to address global warming and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy have become popular choices in various regions worldwide. On the other hand, wind speed and sun irradiation are determined by nature and cannot be regulated as needed. Therefore, incorporating an energy storage system is crucial to maximize the use of these energy sources by converting them into electricity. Batteries are a standout option among various energy storage choices for medium power applications. Nonetheless, batteries require significant maintenance and are susceptible to self-discharge, resulting in a gradual decrease in storage capacity over time. For high power applications, hydrogen storage emerges as a cost-effective alternative to batteries. Stored hydrogen can be utilized for transportation and electricity generation. An electrolyzer can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water by using electric power. However, slow heat transfer dynamics impede the rapid production of hydrogen, necessitating an innovative control technique to enhance production quality during fluctuations in wind speed and solar irradiances. In order to enhance energy efficiency, it is essential for wind turbines and photovoltaic panels to function at their peak capacities. The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is incorporated into the control systems of boost converters, which are used in this study as maximum power point tracking mechanisms. This allows for consistent hydrogen production even in the face of sudden variations in wind speed and sunlight intensity. WOA's efficacy is compared to other optimization methods, including PSO (particle swarm optimization), GA (genetic algorithm), and GWO (grey wolf optimization), in order to demonstrate the benefits of real-time system monitoring for augmenting hydrogen production from a mix of RESs in a microgrid. This research proposes a unique control strategy to stabilize voltage under a range of operating situations. MATLAB is used to display the findings of the investigation.