Collection of ENEA technology and expertise
Laboratory for the conversion of energy storage as hydrogen systems and integration into energy microgrids
Application sectors
Problem to solve
The integration of energy storage systems through the hydrogen vector requires both an efficiency improvement of the involved technologies, and an effective integration of such technologies. The proposed experimental system in one hand allows an accurate characterization of the individual technologies (from hydrogen production and conversion devices, to storage devices, up to electrical grid connection devices) aimed at their optimization in the individual use; on the other hand it allows the development of operating logics both of the individual technologies, and of the entire integrated system, allowing to reach high global efficiency targets.
Description
The laboratory studies technologies for the production of hydrogen through electrolysers powered by renewable sources, its storage through metal hydride cylinders, and its reconversion into electrical energy through fuel cells. The study is extended to power conversion systems (power supplies, inverters, converters), necessary to connect the hydrogen production and use units to the electrical grid. Inside the laboratory it is possible to carry out characterizations of both electrochemical devices and power conversion devices, allowing to obtain the parameters necessary for their integration within energy networks. In addition, it is possible to study and optimize the operating logics of both the individual devices, optimizing their operation on the basis of the examinated use case, and of the entire energy management system, adapting the individual operating logics on the basis of the mutual integration between the different units. The laboratory aims to provide support in the development and optimization of technologies integrated into the hydrogen-electricity chain, allowing to make efficient the integration of the hydrogen carrier within the energy landscape.
Innovative aspects and advantages
- Grid Optimal Network Reconfiguration
- Reliability evaluation for AC, DC and hybrid grids
- The system could be connected to microgrids both through 400 Vac thi-phase AC busbars and 400 Vdc DC busbars.
- The system is provideded by 2 electgrolizers characterized by very different size: the first one can produce up to 0.016 Nm3/h of hydrogen; the second one can produce up to 1 Nm3/h of hydrogen.
Admissible applications
- Characterization and optimization of power conversion systems connected to electrolysis and fuel cell units
- Characterization of electrolysers, fuel cells and metal hydrides hydrogen storage systems
- Definition of operational strategies for electrolysers and fuel cells
- Verifying and optimising the coupling of the hydrogen-based energy storage system with renewable generation plants within smart grids
- Verifying and optimising the integration of fuel cell systems within smart grids to provide grid services (balancing, ancillary services)
Research group involved
Revision date
28-04-2026
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