Real-Time Coordinated Operation of Off-Grid Wind Powered Multi-Electrolyzer Systems Considering Thermal Dynamics and HTO Safety

TL;DR

This paper introduces a real-time, two-layer coordinated control method for off-grid wind-powered electrolyzer systems, enhancing energy use efficiency and safety through feedback optimization and control barrier functions.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated control framework combining feedback optimization with a safety layer using control barrier functions for safe, efficient operation.

Findings

Achieves high renewable energy utilization.

Ensures safe operation under dynamic conditions.

Demonstrates online applicability and robustness.

Abstract

Coordinated operation of alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) systems with multiple electrolyzers under fluctuating renewable power input is challenging due to varying power availability and dynamic safety constraints. Moreover, the conventional separation between optimization and control may result in inconsistent decisions across timescales. To address these issues, this paper proposes a two-layer coordinated operation method integrating feedback optimization (FO) with a projection-based safety layer. The FO layer generates real-time reference inputs to improve renewable energy utilization, while the safety layer corrects these inputs to ensure compliance with operational and safety constraints. To explicitly address the safety constraints arising from the inertial dynamics of AWE systems, discrete-time control barrier function theory is incorporated into the safety layer, thereby enhancing safety assurance and online computational tractability. Theoretical analysis establishes the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Case studies based on annual wind generation data show that the proposed method achieves high energy utilization, maintains safe operation, and demonstrates online applicability, scalability, and robustness.