Grid-Forming Inverter Integration for Enhanced Efficiency and Hydrogen Production of Solar-Powered PEM Electrolyzer Systems

Abstract

This paper explores integrating grid-forming inverters (GFMs) with a solar photovoltaic (PV) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system to assess the impact on hydrogen production and system efficiency. The solar PV system, modeled in PSCAD, generated a power profile used as input for a PEM electrolyzer model in Simulink. Two scenarios were analyzed: without and with grid-forming control. Results show that grid-forming control enhances power delivery stability, leading to higher hydrogen production and improved efficiency. This study contributes to Power-to-Gas (P2G) efforts, where green hydrogen is produced from renewable energy. Without GFM, the PEM electrolyzer experienced lower hydrogen output and efficiency losses due to power fluctuations, while the GFM scenario yielded a more consistent power input, optimizing hydrogen yield and system efficiency. The findings underscore the role of GFMs in enhancing the performance of renewable energy-driven electrolyzers.