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Hydrogen Microgrid

Hydrogen Microgrid

A microgrid is a self-sustaining electrical grid that can operate independently or in conjunction with the traditional grid, supporting homes, businesses, and military applications. Typically producing between 10 to 100 kilowatts per hour, microgrids provide a flexible power solution, capable of switching between grid-connected and autonomous modes. The foundation of a reliable microgrid consists of three key components: the power grid, alternative power sources like solar or wind, and hydrogen fuel cells. The power grid supplies consistent energy, while alternative power sources contribute renewable energy based on environmental conditions. Hydrogen fuel cells, produced through electrolysis using surplus renewable energy, ensure continuous power even when other sources fail. Hydrogen fuel cells offer unrivaled scalability and long-term storage, addressing traditional green microgrid limitations like battery inefficiency and short runtime. In terms of reliability, hydrogen gas can be stored for extended periods without degradation, ensuring stable energy supply vital for modern household needs. Pioneering projects, such as SolCalGas's hydrogen-powered microgrid home demonstration, underscore the potential of hydrogen-based systems in achieving zero-emission, energy-independent futures. Proponents anticipate that as the focus shifts towards decentralized energy production, hydrogen microgrids will play a crucial role, driven by their superior storage capabilities and alignment with stringent environmental regulations.

Hydrogen solves the storage and runtime issue

Any development of a green microgrid runs into a potential issue: how to actually store energy at-scale and long-term.

The real innovation hydrogen fuel cells provide is scalable AND green storage. Batteries have been the traditional way to store microgrid energy from solar or wind. While batteries are green, they are extremely impractical and have short run times when trying to provide power at scale.

Hydrogen solves the runtime issue. Hydrogen fuel cell duration is only limited to tank size, and thus, can run for as long as there is fuel capacity. With no solar production, the battery powered backups must be used, which will have a backup duration of around 7 hours. A standard fuel cell tank can power an average home for 40+ hours.

Hydrogen fuel cells are stable. Hydrogen gas can be stored in a pressurized tank for months and years on end (unlike gasoline which must be stabilized with additives, and still degrades over time).

Hydrogen is highly reliable

Energy reliability is starting to become a hot topic in the United States, especially in California. Homes require consistent energy to keep everything running: charging electric vehicles, working from home, running critical medical devices, etc. The grid has been pretty stable in the past, but has seen increasing struggles as of recent. Infrastructure is aging, and it is not being replaced as fast as it should. States and municipal governments are attempting to wean the public off coal and natural gas power. This puts strain on the system when green alternatives cannot keep up with demand.

When hydrogen is applied in a microgrid power generation setting, it fills the gap when grid power goes down. Since hydrogen is green, it can be used in areas where regulations have blocked the use of gas and diesel power backup generators.

In 2021, SolCalGas embarked on the first-ever proof of concept for a hydrogen fuel cell powered microgrid home. The aim of the project was to show how carbon free-gas like hydrogen could be used to generate electricity in its original state. They also wanted to experiment with blended fuels (hydrogen and natural gas) to see if they could power appliances like water heaters, gas stoves and a heat pump HVAC unit.

The designers wanted the home to function exactly as a "regular home", but use clean energy every single day.

In March of 2022, SolCalGas began assembling the prefabricated home, and outfitted it with solar panels, a battery and an electrolyzer.

Today, the home demonstration is operational and running off of hydrogen power. It is a rather large microgrid: the system could power up to 100 homes. Proponents of the system hope it can be a forerunner in the world of renewable energy and zero-emissions power.

Predicting the future is always a fool's errand. But we theorize that all the forces at play in the economy, regulation, and environmental considerations will cause hydrogen fuel cell powered microgrids to play a key role in the future. Energy will shift from thinking on a macro level, to a micro level.

As communities and property owners adopt this way of thinking, hydrogen will become the clear winner due to its advantages over other alternative energy storage mediums like batteries. When they are adopted en masse, it will be up to innovators to come up with solutions to work within the regulations, confines of the existing grid system, and ability to fit individual use cases.

Hydrogen Microgrid

What is a Microgrid?

Three Legs of The "Microgrid Stool"

Why Hydrogen + Microgrid Is Tapping Brand New Potential

Hydrogen solves the storage and runtime issue

Hydrogen is highly reliable

Proof of Concept: Hydrogen Home Demonstration

Role of Hydrogen Microgrids in Electrical Energy Going Forward