Converters for Renewable Energy in Green Hydrogen Production and Utilization..
Lead Researcher:Prof. Edilson Mineiro Sá Júnior
Research Units:Laboratório de Eletrônica de Potência e Energias Renováveis
Laboratório de Energias Renováveis e Sistema Elétrico de Potência
Grupo de Processamento de Energia e Controle
Main Objectives:
To investigate the integration of multiple renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and wind) through power electronic converters and control systems;
To develop algorithms and techniques to optimize the energy conversion efficiency of renewable energy sources for green hydrogen (GH₂) production;
To develop detailed electrical models and computational simulations to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions among renewable energy sources, power electronic converters, and electrolysis processes;
To investigate the most suitable power electronic converters, considering the requirements of the electrolyzer, as well as the efficiency and service life of the electrolysis system, in order to propose solutions with higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs);
To assess compliance with national and international standards and certifications focusing on power quality (power factor, total harmonic distortion, etc.);
To build prototype power electronic converters for laboratory-scale studies, using innovative techniques to validate the theoretical concepts and simulation models;
To work within a multidisciplinary and integrated network of researchers to develop technologies for the processing and control of energy from renewable sources for green hydrogen production.
Market Potential and Technological Development:
Energy processing in an electrolyzer can account for up to 30% of the cost of an electrolysis system. Therefore, new converter solutions can contribute to cost reduction and optimization of system lifetime for hydrogen production. Current systems are still largely based on traditional solutions characterized by high volume and poor power quality. Poor power quality results from harmonic distortions injected into the electrical grid, which increases the cost of the electricity used and, in many cases, requires the integration of active filters, which also increase the cost of the electrolysis system.
The control of electrolysis systems integrated with renewable energy sources is a crucial aspect for reducing the need for energy storage systems and for certifying hydrogen as green hydrogen. This involves the development of energy conversion and electrolysis systems that operate in a coordinated manner.
